A cardiac stress test shows your physician whether or not your heart works normally while handling work or performing an activity. Because the traditional “treadmill test” has actually induced heart problems in some patients, your doctor may instead have you take medication during the test that creates the same effect on your heart without causing overexertion.
During the test, your heart will pump more blood due to your body working harder and requiring more oxygen. The cardiac stress test can unveil problems with blood flow within your heart.
Why Do I Need a Cardiac Stress Test?
Your doctor may recommend a cardiac stress test for one or more of the following reasons:
Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease
Your physician may want to see the results of a cardiac stress test if you’re showing symptoms of coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries are the primary blood vessels that provide oxygenated blood to your heart. Coronary artery disease (CAD) develops when these arteries incur damage, usually due to the formation of plaque or deposits of cholesterol along the inside walls of one or more arteries.
Diagnose Heart Rhythm Problems
Arrhythmia occurs when your heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or irregularly. When this happens, it is due to the failure of the electrical impulses that regulate your heart rhythm to function correctly.
Manage Treatment of Heart Disorders
If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition and are on therapy to treat it, a cardiac stress test can measure the effectiveness of your treatment. It can also serve as guidance for your physician on establishing the treatment plan for your condition based on how much stress your heart can handle. If necessary, the results can also help determine the timing for heart surgery and whether you require a heart transplant or other high-level therapies.
Diagnose Possible Heart-Related Conditions
A stress test can also help your physician diagnose symptoms of other potential cardiac problems such as shortness of breath, chest pain, or lightheadedness. It can predict risks of heart-related conditions such as a heart attack.
Diagnosis of Heart Conditions in Midlands, South Carolina
A healthy heart is vital to a healthy body. The heart pumps blood to transport oxygen and nutrients to your cells, and the force of the pumping also helps to eliminate waste products from your system. That is why it’s so important to seek a medical evaluation if you’re experiencing heart pain, or if you have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, or a family history of heart ailments.
If you would like to schedule a medical checkup, contact our team at SC Internal Medicine Associates & Rehabilitation today by calling us at (803) 749-1111 or fill out our online appointment request form now. We look forward to being your healthcare partner!
