A cardiac stress test, or exercise stress test, is used to examine how
well the heart functions during exercise. We offer several different types
of stress test.
Treadmill Stress Testing
Nuclear Imaging Stress Test
Stress Echocardiogram
Treadmill Only Stress Test: For this test the patient should dress comfortably and be prepared to walk
on the treadmill. An IV may be placed depending on the doctor’s
preference. EKG electrodes will be placed. Several EKGs and blood pressures
will be obtained during the test. At regular intervals, the difficulty
of exercise will increase until the patient achieves the target heart
rate or develops symptoms. The patient is observed for a brief recovery
period post-treadmill. The IV is removed, if applicable, and the patient
is discharged.
Nuclear Imaging Cardiac Stress Test – Exercise: For this test the patient will start walking on a treadmill. At regular
intervals, the difficulty of the exercise will increase until the patient
achieves the target heart rate or develops symptoms. Then, the second
dose of radioactive tracer will be injected into the IV. The heart rate,
EKG, and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test. If patient
is unable to achieve target heart rate, a medication may be given to simulate
exercise. After exercising, patient will be asked to again sit very still
on the camera for 15-20 minutes. The camera will record images that show
blood flow through the heart during exercise. These images will be compared
to the first set.
Nuclear Imaging Cardiac Stress Test – Pharmacologic: This is a stress test for patients who cannot walk on a treadmill. This
helps to determine if areas of the heart are receiving enough blood flow
or there are any blockages (coronary artery disease). A medication will
be given to dilate the heart’s arteries. If the heart’s arteries
are healthy, they will dilate more than arteries that are not healthy.
Patients will have electrodes placed on the chest. Several EKGs and blood
pressures will be obtained. The patient will receive the medication through
the IV, replacing the exercise portion of the test, followed by an injection
of the tracer.
Patient Prep Instructions:
DO NOT EAT 4 HOURS PRIOR to test. Water permitted. No caffeine, decaf,
chocolate or migraine medications 12 hours before test. No tobacco products
for 8 hours prior. Beta blockers held 24 hours before testing unless otherwise
instructed by physician.
Other medications may be taken. wear loose comfortable clothing and walking
shoes or sneakers if you have them. This test may take 3-4 hours.
Please be prepared to pay your copay and any outstanding balance at time
of check in. Bring your insurance card, medication list, and obtain a
referral if your insurance requires it.
FREE Valet parking is now offered at the Heart & Vascular entrance
Monday – Friday, 7:30 AM – 5 PM, with the last car parked by 4 PM.
Stress Echocardiogram
This exam combines the elements of the Treadmill and Echocardiogram to
show heart function and how the heart reacts to the stress of exercise.
Images of the heart are taken before and after walking on the treadmill.
Patient Prep Instructions:
DO NOT EAT 4 HOURS PRIOR to test. Water permitted. No caffeine, decaf or
chocolate 12 hours before test. No tobacco products for 8 hours prior.
Beta blockers held 24 hours before testing unless otherwise instructed
by physician.
Other medications may be taken. wear loose comfortable clothing and walking
shoes or sneakers if you have them.
Please be prepared to pay your copay and any outstanding balance at time
of check in. Bring your insurance card, medication list, and obtain a
referral if your insurance requires it.
Please call
855-724-3384 to schedule, change or reschedule an appointment.
