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What is a Stress Test?

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

There are a couple of definitions for stress test, including actual tests that people can take to score their emotional stress levels. More commonly in medicine, the stress test refers to measurement of cardiac function, when the heart is working hard or under “stress.” This shouldn’t be taken as negative stress to the heart, but simply means a demand on the heart to work harder either through exercise, or through injection of a medication.

A number of reasons exist why doctors, and often cardiologists, would order a stress test. These could be to rule out or rule in conditions like greater risk of heart attack, abnormal heart rhythm patterns, or presence of diseased coronary arteries. Sometimes patients present with symptoms like difficult breathing or heart pain that aren’t easily explained and the test could be used to diagnose a cause or to rule out the heart as the cause of symptoms.

A stress test focuses primarily on heart rate.
A stress test focuses primarily on heart rate.

Several different variations of the stress test exist. In the exercise electrocardiogram (EKG) test, people will use a treadmill or bicycle to increase heart rate while the EKG is carefully watched for any irregular signs. The test usually begins with a resting EKG reading, and then a person will continue to wear EKG monitoring stickers as they begin to exercise.

Cardiologists and other medical doctors may order a stress test to detect whether a patient is at risk of having a heart attack, has abnormal heart rhythm patterns or has diseased coronary arteries.
Cardiologists and other medical doctors may order a stress test to detect whether a patient is at risk of having a heart attack, has abnormal heart rhythm patterns or has diseased coronary arteries.

Typically the exercise portion of this test isn’t that long, though it may feel long if people don't exercise regularly. Generally most people elevate their heart rate up to the desired area in about 10 minutes, and EKG readings will be taken as this occurs. Occasionally this test finishes with an echocardiogram or sonogram of the heart, but this is not always the case.

Blood pressure will be closely monitored during and after a stress test.
Blood pressure will be closely monitored during and after a stress test.

An echocardiogram stress test is slightly different and may be performed in several ways. This looks at pictures of the heart when it is working, and usually begins with administration of medications like dobutamine or adenosine. These medications replace exercise and cause the heart to beat very fast, as if exercise were occurring, which can be an uncomfortable, though fortunately short-lasting sensation. Both EKG and echocardiogram may be performed, and as with the exercise test, vitals like blood pressure are monitored carefully.

During an electrocardiogram, electrodes are placed on the skin to monitor electrical impulses inside the heart.
During an electrocardiogram, electrodes are placed on the skin to monitor electrical impulses inside the heart.

Since there are so many possible variations of the stress test, it is difficult to instruct people on what to expect or how they should prepare. The best instruction usually comes from the cardiologist performing the test. In general it might be said that if the test involves physical activity, people should wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suited to a workout. If an echo is involved, women will be asked to remove bras, so wearing one that is easy to remove makes good sense. Most tests do ask people not to eat for 12 hours prior to testing, and it may be wise to schedule these tests for early morning to avoid daytime fasting.

Oxygen saturation levels may be monitored during a stress test.
Oxygen saturation levels may be monitored during a stress test.

Another area that cardiologists should fully explain to patients is that they can and should voice discomfort. If testing suddenly involves acute pain, even if not heart related, patients can stop. Most will have the option of doing other forms of stress tests if exercise is uncomfortable or too difficult to do.

The last thing that people may want to know is if an order for a stress test always means a diagnosis of cardiac problems. It doesn’t. Lots of people have these tests and are shown to be in very good shape. However, should the test reveal cardiac issues, people may take comfort in the fact that catching heart problems early is far more favorable when it comes to treatment outcome.

Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...
Tricia Christensen
Tricia Christensen

Tricia has a Literature degree from Sonoma State University and has been a frequent TheHealthBoard contributor for many years. She is especially passionate about reading and writing, although her other interests include medicine, art, film, history, politics, ethics, and religion. Tricia lives in Northern California and is currently working on her first novel.

Learn more...

Discussion Comments

Rundocuri

@talentryto- I agree with you about wearing work-out style clothing for a stress test. When I had my stress test last winter, I wore a sweatshirt and sweatpants. I was comfortable because this type of clothing is meant to be worn during activities like walking and running. However, I would recommend wearing cooler athletic wear in warm-weather months.

Talentryto

I'm glad that this article mentions the importance of wearing comfortable clothes and shoes when having a stress test, and wanted to add a few tips. I had a stress test, and I think that it would be very difficult to do without athletic or running shoes. I wore running shoes and was very comfortable. I also wore jeans and a button-up shirt, but I think I would have been more comfortable wearing athletic clothing or a jogging outfit.

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    • A stress test focuses primarily on heart rate.
      By: beerkoff
      A stress test focuses primarily on heart rate.
    • Cardiologists and other medical doctors may order a stress test to detect whether a patient is at risk of having a heart attack, has abnormal heart rhythm patterns or has diseased coronary arteries.
      By: Monkey Business
      Cardiologists and other medical doctors may order a stress test to detect whether a patient is at risk of having a heart attack, has abnormal heart rhythm patterns or has diseased coronary arteries.
    • Blood pressure will be closely monitored during and after a stress test.
      By: Monkey Business
      Blood pressure will be closely monitored during and after a stress test.
    • During an electrocardiogram, electrodes are placed on the skin to monitor electrical impulses inside the heart.
      By: zayacsk
      During an electrocardiogram, electrodes are placed on the skin to monitor electrical impulses inside the heart.
    • Oxygen saturation levels may be monitored during a stress test.
      By: Africa Studio
      Oxygen saturation levels may be monitored during a stress test.