Treadmill stress tests

If you have risk factors for heart disease, treadmill stress tests can safely evaluate your heart health and pinpoint concerns. The skilled team at AssociatesMD, with locations in Plantation, Pembroke Pines, Davie, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida, can schedule your test, help you prepare, and walk you through the diagnostics to make more informed health decisions. Learn more about treadmill stress tests by calling the office or booking online now.

What are treadmill stress tests?

Treadmill stress tests evaluate how well your heart functions during physical activity, since being active can reveal problems that aren’t noticeable when you’re at rest.

During the test, you walk on a treadmill while the team monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm. These tests can help diagnose heart-related conditions, evaluate symptoms, and determine your overall cardiovascular fitness.

What can treadmill stress tests tell me about my health?

A treadmill stress test may help detect:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Irregular heart rhythms (arrhythmias)
• Exercise-induced chest pain
• Reduced blood flow to the heart
• Changes in blood pressure during activity
• Overall cardiovascular fitness and exercise tolerance

The results can also enable the team to determine whether you need more testing or treatment.

When can my provider recommend a treadmill stress test?

Your healthcare provider may recommend a stress test to investigate:

• Chest pain or discomfort
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Heart palpitations
• Dizziness or lightheadedness
• Unexplained fatigue
• Decreased exercise tolerance

A treadmill stress test may also be a good idea if you have risk factors for heart disease, such as:

• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Diabetes
• Smoking history
• Obesity
• Family history of heart disease

In addition, the team may use stress testing before certain medical procedures, after a heart attack, or to evaluate the effectiveness of your current cardiac treatments and rehabilitation program.

How can I prepare for my treadmill stress test, and what should I expect?

Your healthcare provider may ask you to adjust medications and avoid large meals, drinking caffeine, and smoking for several hours before the test.

Wear comfortable clothing and supportive athletic shoes. During the test, the team places adhesive electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm, and you wear a blood pressure cuff throughout the procedure.

You start walking slowly on the treadmill, then gradually increase the speed and incline. The test continues until you reach a target heart rate, symptoms develop, or your provider determines that they have enough information.

Afterward, the team monitors you for a short recovery period while your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal, then you can resume your regular activities for the day. Your provider discusses all findings and explores next steps.

Learn more about the benefits of treadmill stress tests by calling the nearest AssociatesMD office or booking a consultation online today.