If you have recently participated in a stress test and received abnormal results, this can be a strong indication that you are suffering from a major health problem associated with the cardiovascular system. Through tests such as walking or other forms of exercise, doctors can determine how much stress is placed on the heart.
Cardiac stress imaging can assess cardiac function, exercise capacity, and myocardial viability. Getting tested regularly is extremely important. Abnormal stress test results can help diagnose an unknown condition, assess cardiovascular status, and guide potential treatment options.
What Is a Stress Test?
A nuclear stress test provides specialized cardiovascular imaging and involves the use of a small, safe amount of a radioactive tracer. This tracer is injected into the blood and used to trace blood flow throughout the body during both physical exertion and rest. This allows doctors to learn key information about heart function, blood flow, and the status of coronary artery disease, if any.
A stress test is fairly simple. Before the test, an evaluation will be conducted to determine the type of test and if it is appropriate for your needs. The individual’s medical history will be reviewed, a physical exam will be performed, and other cardiac tests will be performed as needed.
In addition, those undergoing a stress test will be connected to a medical device to monitor their heart rate. You will be monitored, both when active and inactive, to detect any heart-related issues.
When Should I Take a Stress Test?
Cardiac stress imaging is a noninvasive test to evaluate cardiovascular anomalies. There are several reasons why you should take a stress test. Those experiencing a range of cardiovascular symptoms should undergo a stress test to determine the cause or rule out other health conditions.
If you experience chest pain, suffer from a heart condition, or have recently discovered an unknown cardiac condition, a stress test is needed. A nuclear stress test is used to help determine some of the main conditions and concerns, such as:
- Areas of reduced blood flow to the heart
- Damage from a previous heart attack
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart failure or angina
- Effectiveness of prior treatments such as angioplasty or bypass surgery
Anyone experiencing the above should receive a stress test. Patients who undergo a stress test may be asked to walk or run on a treadmill or to pedal a stationary bike. During the process, doctors will increase the speed and incline to monitor the heart rhythm, blood pressure, and heart rate.
Moving Forward With Abnormal Stress Test Results
If a patient has undergone a stress test and received abnormal test results, the results may reveal the following:
- Coronary artery blockages
- Irregular heartbeats
- Reduced blood flow
- Blood pressure changes
- Arrhythmia
- Slow heart rate recovery
Depending on the results of your stress test, doctors may recommend various treatments to help manage your condition. Beta-blockers or statin medications may be used. Those with more serious heart concerns may require stents.
Take a Stress Test
At United Heart Institute, we provide a variety of heart health services for patients. Our vast experience diagnosing and managing cardiovascular conditions is built on careful monitoring and testing. Not only do we offer a nuclear stress test, but we also provide other tests for patients depending on the medical situation.
Contact us today to learn more about our nuclear stress test services that provide safe and highly detailed data about your heart’s blood flow and function. Stop by our heart health clinic to speak with one of our professionals and learn more about how our stress tests work and find the best treatment options for you.
