Stress Testing in Philadelphia: When Do You Need It?
Are you at risk of heart issues? If so, you are probably familiar with stress testing. Stress tests help your doctor understand the capability of your heart to handle work. A medical expert conducts stress testing in Philadelphia to monitor the condition of your heart before you can begin to show abnormal heart rhythms or before blood flow to your heart begins to diminish.
Reasons to Undergo Stress Testing
If you experience symptoms such as shortness of breath and chest pain, you are a candidate for stress testing. Apart from evaluating heart rhythm and blood flow, here are other reasons to get a stress test:
- Confirm a heart problem- If you display symptoms of any kind of heart-related problems such as trouble breathing or chest pain, you can undergo a stress test to diagnose the problem. Also, the test prevents future heart problems by treating you when you first experience symptoms.
- Treat a heart issue- If you have been diagnosed with a heart condition, you can get a stress test to determine if your condition is improving. The test also determines if you need additional procedures or treatment options.
- Identify a fitness plan- A stress test can be one to help you learn more about ways to take part in an exercise routine as you recover from a heart condition.
When to Get Tested
You should not get unnecessary stress tests because it can lead to false positives, which refer to results that indicate an issue that does not exist. This can result in more testing you don’t really need. Also, this additional testing can be more complicated and riskier. Tests can expose you to radiation and make you experience a bad reaction to injections or issues during exercise. Sometimes, follow-up testing can cause anxiety and rob you of the time you could have spent with your loved ones.
You must know when and where to get necessary testing. A stress test is only necessary if you are at risk for heart disease or experiencing symptoms such as chest discomfort or pain and breathing problems. If you are not sure whether to get a stress test or not, consult your doctor to discuss your symptoms and medical history to ensure you don’t get unnecessary tests.
What Happens During the Test?
During a stress test, you may ride a stationary bike or walk on a treadmill to make your heart work harder. An electrocardiogram will monitor the electrical rhythms of your heart. Also, your doctor measures your blood pressure and checks if you have symptoms such as fatigue or chest discomfort. You may be suffering from coronary artery disease if your physical symptoms worsen. The intensity of the exercise is progressive, but you can decide to stop if you can handle the activity.
What Does Exercise Stress Testing Say?
You may be asked to undergo exercise stress testing to determine if there are fatty deposits in your coronary arteries that block a blood vessel. If your test result is normal, this means that the flow of blood to your heart at rest is normal, but may be limited when you perform intense exercise. If your result is abnormal, you may have serious coronary heart disease. You may be required to undergo more tests to confirm your diagnosis.