The most common type of stress test is the exercise stress test, which usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. As you begin the test, you’ll start at a slow, easy pace. Gradually, the intensity will increase, making your heart work harder and pump faster.

Throughout the test, medical staff closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG) readings, and any symptoms you experience. The test continues until you reach your target heart rate or experience symptoms that require stopping, such as chest pain or shortness of breath. After the exercise portion, you’ll have a cool-down period where monitoring continues as your heart rate returns to normal.

While the exercise stress test is the most common, doctors may recommend different types of stress tests depending on your specific health status. For instance, a nuclear stress test involves injecting a small amount of radioactive tracer into your bloodstream. Special cameras then capture images of blood flow through your heart at rest and during stress, allowing doctors to identify areas of reduced blood flow. Another variation is the stress echocardiogram, where ultrasound images of your heart are taken before and immediately after exercise to assess how your heart responds to stress.

For patients unable to exercise due to physical limitations or certain medical conditions, doctors may opt for a pharmacological stress test. In this type of test, medications simulate the effects of physical exertion on the heart. Throughout the procedure, the medical team monitors the patient’s heart activity and blood flow, just as they would during an exercise stress test.

The cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) is a comprehensive test that measures not only heart function but also lung performance and overall fitness. Another advanced option is the stress MRI, where magnetic resonance imaging is used to create detailed pictures of your heart before and during medication-induced stress.

Depending on the specific medication, your doctor may instruct you to skip your beta-blocker dose on the morning of the test or for a day or two before.

Similarly, if you’re scheduled for a pharmacological stress test, your doctor may ask you to avoid caffeine for 24 hours before the test, as it can interfere with certain stress medications. This includes coffee, tea, chocolate, and some pain relievers that contain caffeine.

For patients with diabetes, it’s crucial to discuss medication timing with your doctor. If you’re instructed to fast before the test, your doctor may advise you to delay taking insulin or oral diabetes medications until after the test to avoid low blood sugar.

When your stress test is scheduled, be sure to provide a complete list of all your medications, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. Your doctor will review this list and provide specific instructions on which medications to take or avoid before your stress test.

Trust your heart health to CVG’s twenty board-certified cardiologists. Equipped with leading-edge diagnostic tools and a wealth of experience and compassion, our cardiac team provides the highest level of personalized care.

You can review our cardiologists’ pages and explore their exceptional credentials and dedication to providing quality care. You can trust that our doctors genuinely care about you and will do everything in their power to ensure that you have the best quality of life possible.

Contact us to learn more: please call (770) 962-0399 or 678-582-8586. You may also request an appointment online. If you have an emergency, don’t contact us online; please call 911.