Contributed by registered nurse Dorothy McClure, cardiac clinician for Catholic Healthcare West's HeartAware program.
Question: What is a stress test and why should I have one?
Answer: A stress test, also known as an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), is one of the simplest and fastest procedures that allows physicians to see how your heart responds to stress and exercise.
The test is conducted while you are riding a stationary bike or exercising on a treadmill. Small plastic patches known as electrodes are placed on specific areas of the arms, chest and legs. The electrical activity of the heart is sent through the electrodes and wires to an ECG machine where the heart is measured, the activity interpreted and then printed out for a doctor's evaluation and interpretation.
There are several reasons for a stress test. Some examples include:
- Determining limits for safe exercise for a patient entering a cardiac rehabilitation program and/or recovering from a heart attack or heart surgery.
- Evaluating blood pressure during exercise.
- Assessing stress in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease.
February is American Heart Month. To find out if you are at risk for cardiovascular disease, log on to heartawaretest.com and take the HeartAwareTM free online evaluation. The test takes less than seven minutes and may save your life. To learn more about heart disease, visit heart.org.
Learn more about HeartAware or schedule a free consultation at 480-728-3639 or heartawaretest.com.
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