What is a Stress test?

A stress test, also known as the treadmill test, is a non-invasive test that helps in evaluating the heart’s function under physical stress.

In easy words, as an individual walks, exercises or works harder, the heart needs to pump more amount of blood. A stress test determines how much workload your heart can take in such conditions. If there are any issues with blood supply to the heart, ie, with the carotid arteries, it can, in turn, affect the functioning of heart and appear as abnormal results in a stress test. 

In a stress test, an individual is asked to walk on a treadmill, until their heart works progressively harder, meanwhile, an electrocardiogram (ECG) is monitored. When the test is in progress, blood pressure is evaluated sequentially, and symptoms, such as fatigue or chest comfort are looked for. Abnormalities in ECG, blood pressure or pulse rate or the presence of chest discomfort indicates that blood flow to the heart is reduced and coronary arteries may have a deposition of plaques.

  1. Why is a Stress test performed?
  2. How do you prepare for a Stress test?
  3. How is a Stress test performed?
  4. What do Stress test results indicate?

A stress test is performed to evaluate the load-taking capacity of your heart, which in turn gives an idea about the blood supply to heart.

It is performed if an individual shows symptoms of coronary artery disease, which include:

It is also performed as a routine test in individuals who are at risk of developing coronary artery disease. Common risk factors for CAD include:

Additionally, a stress test is helpful in determining the effectiveness of cardiac procedures performed to improve circulation in the coronary artery.

myUpchar doctors after many years of research have created myUpchar Ayurveda Hridyas Capsule by using 100% original and pure herbs of Ayurveda. This Ayurvedic medicine has been recommended by our doctors to lakhs of people for problems like high blood pressure and high cholesterol, with good results.
BP Tablet
₹694  ₹999  30% OFF
BUY NOW

A stress test requires certain preparations for obtaining an accurate test report:

  • Avoid the intake of vitamins, herbal or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines a day prior to the test
  • Avoid the use of antihypertensives on the day of the test (it can be taken after the test is performed)
  • Avoid the intake of food or water for about 2 to 4 hours before the test
  • Avoid smoking on the test day

A set of electrodes will be placed on your chest (in a similar pattern as it is placed during electrocardiography). Initially, you will be asked to walk slowly on a treadmill, and the speed is increased gradually. Next, the treadmill will be slightly inclined to provide a small elevation. You may then be asked to breathe in a tube for 2-3 minutes.

The test takes about 7 to 10 minutes. Results from the electrodes (as seen on monitor) are recorded in real-time. Heart rate, breathing rate and blood pressure reading are also noted.

 A stress test carries a minimal risk of breathlessness, increased blood pressure or increased heart rate but otherwise, it is quite safe.

Normal results: Normal results are indicated by little or no fatigue after the test and normal ECG recording. They also suggest an absence of coronary artery disease.

Abnormal results: A positive stress test suggests a very high possibility of blockage in the coronary artery, which indicates the presence of coronary artery disease.

A negative or improved report in a person who has had a positive result previously and is undergoing therapy for coronary artery disease indicates a positive response to the therapy.

An individual with a positive stress test gets a hint on the amount of load (exertion) his/her heart can take up, thereby determining a safe level of exercising.

If the results of a stress test are poor or unfavourable, it is followed by a cardiac catheterisation (coronary angiography) procedure to evaluate the amount of blockage in the coronary artery.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.

References

  1. American Heart Association. What Is a Stress Test?. [Internet]
  2. Health Harvard Publishing. Harvard Medical School [Internet]. Cardiac exercise stress testing: What it can and cannot tell you. Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.
  3. Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada. Coronary artery disease. [internet]
  4. Heart UK ; The Cholesterol Charity. Risk factors for coronary heart disease (CHD). Maidenhead, Berkshire. [internet]
  5. American Heart Association. Exercise Stress Test. [Internet]
Read on app
cross
Ask your health query from live doctors now!