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» Arterial Blood Gases |
» Holter Monitoring |
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Cardiac Stress Testing What Is A Stress Test?
Remember this is called a STRESS test because we will have you walk at higher and higher levels of exertion. This is because many heart problems are only noticed when a person is active or exercising. This is a safe, reliable, and non-invasive test. A doctor must order this test. Why did my doctor order this test? There are several reasons why we perform stress tests. The most common reason is because a patient has complained of chest pain or discomfort. Sometimes we are asked to perform this test because a patient has complained of shortness of breath, dizziness, lack of energy, chest tightness, arm and/or jaw pain during exercise, or perhaps the patient wants to start an exercise program. We also test people with known heart disease to see if their medications are working correctly and/or to let them know how much activity they can safely do at home. How should I prepare for this test? It is best that you do NOT apply any creams, oils, or powder to your chest on the day of testing. These tend to make it difficult for the therapist to apply the electrodes to your chest Please bring or wear
Women should wear a comfortable fitting bra. Corsets, girdles, or full length slips SHOULD NOT be worn. Please arrive at least 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment so our secretaries can register you. Have your health card ready. Can I eat before the test? Yes, a LIGHT meal will be fine, but we ask that you do NOT drink coffee or tea, or smoke before the test. Can I take my medications before the test? This is always a tricky question. Your physician will advise you on what medications, if any, to take before your test. If you are unsure please call YOUR physician a few days before the test to check. We do ask that you bring a list of your medications with you and the dose you are taking. How long will the test take? The stress test will take approximately 30 minutes. This does NOT mean you will be exercising that long. The 30 minutes includes the pre-test procedure, talking with the doctor, the exercise, and the recovery period. Why should I have my test at a hospital? We are PROUD to say that during every cardiac stress test there will be a doctor and therapist with you and in case of an emergency there is NO better place to be than in a hospital. How will I know how I did?
Ninety percent of the time the heart doctor that is performing
the test will tell you after how it went. A detailed report will
be typed up and sent to your own doctor.
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A stress test is performed while you are
walking on a treadmill. Leads are attached to your chest so we
can monitor your EKG (electrocardiogram) while you exercise. We
will also be monitoring your blood pressure, heart rate, and heart
rhythm before, during, and after the test.