Stress Test Specialist

What is a stress test?

A stress test is a cardiac test that assesses heart health during exercise. Your heart pumps harder and faster when you exercise. 

When evaluating your heart during activity, your cardiologist may have an easier time finding areas of your heart that aren’t getting an adequate supply of blood, which may be a sign of cardiovascular disease. 

Florida Hearts is a state-of-the-art practice that performs on-site stress testing and same-day assessments and treatments. 

Why do I need a stress test?

The team at Florida Hearts explains why you need a stress test during your initial evaluation. They may recommend the test to diagnose coronary heart disease or arrhythmia.

You may also benefit from a stress test to find the root cause of your chest pain, shortness of breath, or angina (chest pain during physical activity).

They may also recommend a stress test to assess the effectiveness of your cardiac rehabilitation program. 

What happens during a stress test?

Florida Hearts performs your stress test at the office. First, your provider reviews your medical history and checks your blood pressure and heart rate.

Then, they place electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs, which monitor the electrical activity of your heart while you exercise. Your provider then has you step onto a treadmill, and you start to walk.

Your provider increases the intensity of your workout, and you continue to exercise until your heart reaches a target rate or you start to experience chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

After your stress test, your cardiologist reviews their findings with you and develops a treatment plan. 

The team at Florida Hearts requests that you wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear to your stress test appointment. You can go back to your usual activities after the test unless directed otherwise. 

Are there different types of stress tests?

Yes, there are different types of stress tests. If you’re unable to physically exercise, your cardiologist at Florida Hearts administers a medication that makes your heart pump harder and faster.

Florida Hearts may also perform a CT/PET (computer tomography/positive emission tomography) scan during your stress test. CT/PET scans provide detailed images of your heart and blood vessels. The advanced imaging tools may provide more detailed information about heart health and function.

The team may also recommend a stress echocardiogram. During this type of stress test, the team uses ultrasound technology to generate moving images of your heart and the flow of blood through your blood vessels.

For comprehensive cardiology care, call Florida Hearts, or book an appointment online today.