When Should A Stress Test Be Conducted?

A stress test is a physical activity based test that is designed to show how well the heart operates when under stress.  The test is often referred to as an exercise test or exercise stress test.

Your Phoenix cardiologist may recommend a stress test be conducted for several reasons:

1.    To diagnose damaged or diseased coronary arteries

When there is buildup, in the form of plaque or cholesterol deposits, the coronary arteries may become damaged.  Symptoms of this condition may include shortness of breath and chest pains, especially during physical activity.

In order to determine if there is a problem, your cardiologist in Mesa will order a stress test that includes physical activity.  Your doctor will monitor the test and determine if the existing symptoms are related to the disease.

 2.    To diagnose heart arrhythmias (rhythmic heart problems)

When the rhythms of the heart do not function properly the heart can either beat too fast, too slow or irregularly.  Conducting a stress test can reveal heart arrhythmias and determine if there are electrical impulse problems related to the heart.

Your doctor will monitor your stress test in order to determine if there is a correlation between the symptoms you experience and a possible rhythmic heart problem.

 3.    To help guide the treatment of a variety of heart conditions or disorders

When you have been diagnosed with a heart problem a stress test may be required to determine how well you are responding to treatment.  A person who has been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, rhythmic problems, valvular heart conditions and other problems may need to have their treatment evaluated through the careful monitoring of a stress test.

A stress test can help determine which treatment is best suited and reveal just how much physical activity can be tolerated at one time.  A treatment plan can be guided and set up through the use of a stress test, depending on the condition you are diagnosed with.

Stress tests may also be used to pinpoint the need and timing of heart surgery.  For example, valve replacement surgery may be determined through the careful observation of an exercise stress test.

In the event that a routine stress test does not reveal the cause for the existing symptoms, a nuclear stress test may be required.  The procedure is similar in nature as an exercise stress test but uses radioactive dye and a specifically designed scanner to provide images of the heart during activity.

AZ Heart Doctor is the premier cardiologist Phoenix AZ trusts, with a Double Board Certified heart doctor. Dr. Yassir Batres provides comprehensive noninterventional cardiology care to patients throughout Phoenix and the East Valley.

Call (480) 300-4646 for more information and scheduling. Most insurance is accepted!