The stress test is a simple and non-invasive test which is used to find out how our body reacts to physical activity at any given time.
The stress test is performed to diagnose different heart problems or to make a prognosis about any heart disease. It gives us an idea of how our heart is and how we react to it physical exercise.
Each test is adapted to each person, their age, gender and weekly activity level are taken into account, because what matters is get some accurate values and that are adjusted to the reality of the patient.
These exams or tests are becoming more common today, many people are interested in their physical condition and want to know how their heart is at some specific stage of their life.
Gives us insights about him general state of the person y what are your physical and heart recovery capabilities. It is done for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. This test is recommended for all those who are interested in knowing how you are physically, before starting a physical routine to improve your body through exercise.
What is a stress test?
This stress test consists of a physical resistance test by means of whichl the professional monitors the results at all times while the patient is performing various physical exercises. The ultimate goal is to assess how the heart responds to such physical activity.
This test is also known as ergometry, a large number of cardiac pathologies do not present any symptoms while the person is at rest. They become evident when the work and effort is greaterDuring the examination, the professional must be able to perform the appropriate exercises to achieve a diagnosis of cardiac activity.
The information you get the professional helps to make a diagnosis regarding the performance of the heart, to be able to evaluate the efficacy of a treatment.
When is a stress test "prescribed"?
As we mentioned, this stress test is carried out to know and detect if the patient could suffer from a heart problem. These tests are performed on all types of patients, people who are healthy, or who already have some pathology in their body.
This test is done mainly to find out arrhythmias or coronary heart disease. In addition, to prevent any risk of suffering a heart attack or a serious pathology.
This exercise is recommended when:
- When the patient notices a reduction in blood flow to the heart. Such as chest pain, shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat or irregular heartbeat.
- When there is a risk of heart disease, by antecedents or people with diabetes.
- When looking to evaluate a pathology to diagnose a correct treatment. It is carried out to all those people who have already suffered a heart attack or have undergone heart surgery.
- It is also recommended for all those who want start an exercise program safely.
How the stress test is carried out
These stress tests have an average duration of one hour, it also includes the preparation time of the professional and the patient.
- First, patches of electrodes on chest, arms and legs, which are connected to a machine that translates a electrocardiogram.
- On the other hand, it is placed a cuff on the arm that detects blood pressure during the test.
- Those who do not exercise regularly are placed an IV medicine.
- After this preparation, what comes next is perform and start the activity. These are usually treadmill or stationary bike exercises, start slowly and increase the difficulty.
- The test will continue until the target is achieved, or until alarm symptoms begin to appear and exercise must be stopped.
Keep in mind
These stress tests are safe, however, not recommended for women who are pregnant. Only very rarely do they lead to complications such as low blood pressure, arrhythmias, or heart attacks.
The doctor must announce to the patient how the test will be carried out, so you know all the steps before you start. It is important to have communication with the professional so that there is no difficulty.
It is essential, report to the doctor about whether you are consuming any drugs or medication so that you always keep it in mind.
Now you know what a stress test consists of, they are carried out and carried out by health professionals and doctors who know perfectly how our body should react to a stress test. overexertion physical activity. If you think you need a test to know how our heart reacts and how it recovers, consult your family doctor for guidance on these important aspects.