What is an Exercise Stress Test? How is it Done?

 

An exercise stress test, often known as a treadmill test, is done to understand how well your heart is working. This cardiac testing in Brooklyn, NY, is done to analyze how hard the body works and the amount of oxygen taken by the heart to pump more blood. The results can show if the blood supply in the arteries supplying the heart is reduced or not! Based on the results, a doctor can get some idea of what kind of exercise is appropriate for patients. 

 

How is it Done?

 

An individual taking this test is first of all hooked up to the equipment to monitor his heart. He has to walk slowly in place on a treadmill. The speed will be increased after some time for a faster pace. Later, the treadmill is tilted to deliver the effect like he is going up a small hill. He will be asked to breathe into a tube for a few minutes. He can stop the test at any time if he feels the need to do so. After the test is done, he will be asked to sit or lie down. His heart and blood pressure will be checked. 

 

During this test, the heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and ECG are monitored. Also, this test is helpful to monitor how tired a person is after this cardiac testing in New York. 

 

Healthy individuals take this test at very little risk. A healthcare provider may recommend an exercise stress test-

·        To diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) or possible heart-related signs such as chest pain, lightheadedness, or shortness of breath.

·        Determine what level of exercise is safe for a person

·        Check the efficacy of procedures recommended to improve coronary artery circulation in people with CAD.

·        Predict the chances of life-threatening heart-related conditions such as heart attack

Depending on the results of this type of cardiac testing in Brooklyn, NY, healthcare providers may recommend needed treatment.

 

4 Common Medical Tests to Diagnose Heart Problems!

A doctor may order different cardiac testing in New York or near your home to get some help in finding out about your heart condition. As per the condition, he can provide the best treatment to you. Some of these tests are-

ECG or EKG-

An electrocardiogram reads the heart’s electrical impulse and shows how well your heart is functioning/beating. Small sticky dots are put on your chest, arms and legs. Wire leads are then attached to an ECG machine that records the impulses. The recorded impulses are printed out on paper by the machine. Your doctor will check the results to diagnose any abnormal heart rhythms or other heart problems.

Nuclear Cardiac Stress Test-

It is often called an exercise thallium scan or a nuclear exercise scan. During the procedure of this cardiac testing in Brooklyn, NY, a radioactive substance (tracer) is injected into a patient’s bloodstream that goes to his heart and releases energy. Special cameras are used to take pictures of this energy from outside of the body. A doctor uses these pictures to check how well your heart pumps blood when you are resting and doing any physical activity. This test may help your doctor check whether your heart muscles are working fine or not!

Exercise Stress Test-

It’s a type of ECG done while you exercise. It is often known as a treadmill or exercise test that helps a doctor find out how well your heart is working when you are physically active, i.e., exercising.

Holter Monitor Test-

A Holter monitor test is done if an ECG doesn’t provide desired information about your heart’s condition to a doctor. This test involves wearing a Holter monitor (a device) for one or two days to keep track of the heart rhythm.

If your doctor has suggested you go for any cardiac testing in New York, never ignore it. Getting the test done can help your doctor provide better treatment to you at the right time.

What are the Three Most Common Heart Disease Risk Factors?

Almost half the population in the U.S. suffers from some type of heart disease. Although many people develop heart diseases due to the natural aging process, a poor lifestyle may also lead to health conditions that may increase the risk of heart diseases. Some of these causes cannot be controlled, but there are various factors that can be managed with regular cardiac testing in New York to reduce the risk of heart diseases.  

 

Following are three common risk factors of heart disease that can be controlled with regular monitoring: 

High Blood Pressure

Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the top factors that put you at an increased risk of a stroke. It is also referred to as the “silent killer,” as it usually does not show any obvious symptoms in the beginning. BP is a chronic health condition that is highly common among the U.S. population. It is generally recommended for people over 50 to consult with a cardiologist in Brooklyn, NY, and get regular testing to control their blood pressure levels and reduce the risk of heart diseases.

Uncontrolled Cholesterol 

Uncontrolled cholesterol can clog the heart’s arteries and reduce the blood flow to the heart and other major organs. It is also a primary contributing factor for coronary artery disease development.  However, similar to blood pressure, high cholesterol may not produce any specific symptoms. Therefore, it is best to get checked by a cardiologist in Brooklyn, especially if you have a family history of cholesterol.

Poor Lifestyle Habits

And of course, many heart diseases are caused due to a poor lifestyle. For example, an unhealthy diet, smoking, lack of physical activities, and obesity are some of the leading risk factors for heart diseases. In that case, you can reduce the risk of heart diseases by making healthy changes in your lifestyle and consulting with experienced primary care physicians and cardiac experts.

If you need cardiac testing services in Brooklyn, NY, Schedule a consultation with our healthcare experts today!