As a leading cause of death in Georgia and across the United States, cardiovascular disease poses a significant threat to public health. Fortunately, it is diagnosable and largely treatable. Healthy lifestyle choices, check-ups and diagnostic testing, including stress testing, can help us treat cardiovascular disease early.
If you are experiencing potential symptoms of a heart condition or if your health history puts you at a greater risk for cardiovascular disease, your doctor may recommend a cardiovascular stress test to help assess how well your heart is functioning.
What is a stress test?
Cardiovascular stress tests are a common diagnostic used to check for heart disease, heart abnormalities and other heart problems. Stress tests evaluate your heart’s response to physical activity or chemical agents. They are a non-invasive and virtually pain-free method for cardiologists to identify potential issues impacting blood flow to your heart.
Stress Tests at Georgia Heart Institute
Georgia Heart Institute offers a variety of diagnostic stress tests that allow our heart and vascular experts to diagnose, monitor and treat heart conditions. Different types of stress tests may be recommended based on your physical capabilities and what potential issues your cardiologist is trying to diagnose.
Chemical vs. Exercise Stress Test
Exercise stress tests are the most common. During an exercise stress test, your heart will be monitored by equipment secured to your chest to record your heart’s electrical activity. Afterward, you’ll walk on a treadmill while your doctor monitors your heart’s response to physical activity.
If you’re unable to exercise safely on a treadmill, a chemical stress test may be used. Georgia Heart Institute uses either dobutamine or Lexiscan for chemical stress tests.
Types of Stress Tests
Stress Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram is like an exercise stress, but it also uses ultrasound equipment to capture detailed images of your heart. A stress echocardiogram helps your doctor check visually how well your heart and blood vessels are performing under stress. During stress echocardiography, a person exercises on a treadmill or bike while his or her blood pressure and heart rhythm are monitored. When the person’s heart rate reaches a peak level, a doctor captures ultrasound images of the heart to determine how well the heart and blood vessels are working. If you are unable to exercise, a medication called dobutamine is used to stimulate the heart instead of exercise.
Nuclear Stress Test
Nuclear stress tests help identify issues such as blockages in the coronary arteries or areas of the heart that may not be working properly. During a nuclear stress test, a small amount of a radioactive substance is injected into the bloodstream, allowing doctors to capture imaging of the heart during physical exercise on a treadmill. If a patient is unable to exercise, medications called Lexiscan or dobutamine can be used as chemical stressors.
Cardiac Stress MRI
During this test, MRI captures detailed images of the heart both while it is at rest and while stressed. A patient receives an injection of medication to mimic the way blood flows in the heart during exercise. Contrast dye is then injected into a vein, helping to identify any areas of the heart without proper blood flow.
Cardiac PET/CT
Cardiac PET/CT scan is a hybrid imaging technique that uses a small amount of radioactivity to create images of the heart and blood vessels. It’s a highly effective tool for diagnosing heart disease and can detect problems before symptoms appear. Cardiac PET/CT scan is considered the gold standard for diagnosing coronary heart disease. It’s more accurate and efficient than other nuclear stress testing methods.
FAQs
A cardiovascular stress test may be recommended if you’re experiencing the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeats
- Fatigue during exercise
It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to see if a stress test is right for you.
When you arrive for a stress test, your healthcare team will check your heart rate and blood pressure. Throughout the test, you’ll wear electrodes on your chest to monitor heart activity. You’ll exercise on a treadmill with the intensity gradually increasing to raise your heart rate. After reaching the target heart rate, you’ll go through a cool-down period while they continue to monitor until your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.
A standard cardiovascular stress test typically lasts between 30 minutes to one hour. The exercise portion usually lasts around 10 to 15 minutes.
To prepare for a cardiovascular stress test, consult your doctor about any medications you are taking, as some may need to be adjusted. It’s important to avoid caffeine and nicotine for 24 hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothing and supportive shoes and stay hydrated unless advised otherwise. Make sure to inform medical staff about any medical conditions or recent illnesses.
Schedule an Appointment
Your doctor may schedule an appointment for you through our physician scheduling system, or you can schedule an appointment by calling 770-219-7666.
Cardiac stress testing requires a physician referral.
