When your doctor mentions a stress test, it’s natural to have questions. Is something wrong with my heart? Will the test hurt? Do I really need it?
Don’t panic. Stress tests are a straightforward, non-invasive way to get valuable insights about how your heart performs under pressure — literally.
Whether you’re having symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or your doctor just wants a clearer picture of your cardiovascular health, a stress test can provide answers.
Dr. Fahmi Farah and our team at Bentley Heart in Fort Worth, Texas, explain a stress test, why it’s done, and what you can expect.
A stress test (also called an exercise stress test or treadmill test) monitors your heart while working harder than normal. The goal is to see how well your heart functions during physical activity, which can help reveal sneaky issues that might not be noticeable when you’re at rest.
During a standard stress test, you walk on a treadmill (or sometimes ride a stationary bike) while we closely monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing.
In some cases, if you’re unable to exercise, we can give you a medication to mimic the effects of physical exertion.
There are several reasons you might need a stress test. Let’s review some of the most common.
One of the most common reasons we perform a stress test is when you have symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue, especially if they come on during physical activity.
You may have had a heart-related event like a heart attack or stent placement, and your doctor wants to evaluate your recovery and ongoing function.
Sometimes, stress tests are beneficial for those who have risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of cardiac issues.
Stress tests also help your care team monitor an existing heart condition or help your doctor ensure a new exercise routine is safe for your heart.
In short, a stress test helps your provider catch potential heart problems early, guide treatment decisions, and keep you safe during physical activity.
A stress test offers a wide range of information, including:
Sometimes, we pair your stress test with imaging (like an echocardiogram) to provide even more detailed information about your heart’s function and structure.
Stress tests are straightforward and safe. Here’s a closer look.
First, we hook you up to EKG electrodes, a blood pressure cuff, and sometimes a pulse oximeter. These track your vitals before, during, and after the test.
Then, you walk on a treadmill that gradually increases in speed and incline every few minutes. The goal is to reach your target heart rate or until symptoms appear.
Once the test ends, we monitor your heart rate and blood pressure during a cool-down period to see how quickly you recover.
The entire test usually takes less than an hour, and many people are surprised by how manageable it is. Remember to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers, and follow your doctor’s instructions about eating or taking medications beforehand.
Yes, stress tests are considered very safe, especially when done under the supervision of a trained cardiologist, like Dr. Farah.
If anything concerning happens during the test (like chest pain or irregular rhythms), we stop the test immediately and give appropriate care.
Many patients actually feel reassured afterward because they get real-time feedback and a clearer picture of their heart health.
There’s no need to stress about your stress test. Think of it as a proactive step in protecting your heart and catching any issues before they become serious.
Your heart works hard for you every day. A stress test is one way to ensure it’s receiving the care and attention it deserves.
If you’ve been scheduled for a stress test and still have questions, call our friendly staff at 817-720-5185 or use our online booking tool to schedule a consultation today.
If you’re experiencing symptoms that concern you, don’t wait. Talk to your doctor about what the test can reveal and how it could help you live a longer, healthier life.