A cardiac stress test is a medical procedure used to evaluate how well your heart functions during physical activity. It helps diagnose coronary artery disease, assess heart function after a heart attack, or determine safe levels of exercise following a cardiac event. Here’s a step-by-step explanation of what happens during a typical cardiac stress test:

1. Preparation:

– You’ll be asked not to eat or drink for a few hours before the test.

– Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise.

– Inform the medical team about any medications you’re taking.

2. Baseline Measurements:

– The medical staff will measure your resting heart rate, blood pressure, and possibly record an electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) to establish a baseline.

3. Exercise or Stress Induction:

– You may walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike.

– The intensity gradually increases to raise your heart rate and stress your heart.

– If you’re unable to exercise, a medication like dobutamine may be used to simulate exercise effects.

4. Monitoring:

– Throughout the test, medical professionals monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and EKG for any abnormalities.

– Be vocal about any symptoms you experience, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

5. Recovery:

– After reaching the target heart rate or if you can’t continue, the intensity decreases.

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