You might have heard of a stress test referred to as a treadmill test or exercise test. While they may be called different things, they all help your primary care physician to find out how your heart is working. It certainly is not something to be ignored and an important part of your annual physical check-up.
What does Dr. Nazarian look for during a cardiac stress test?
- Heart rate
- Breathing
- Blood pressure
- Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- How tired you get during the test
Dr. Nazarian is looking to see how your heart responds to being pushed. You may walk on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bike. The intensity of the exercise increases as you go. Dr. Nazarian wants to determine if you have any risk of heart disease during your annual physical exam. The actual test itself takes around fifteen (15) minutes of exercise. Typically, the treadmill is set at a low speed of approximately 1.7 miles per hour at a 10% incline. For every three (3) minutes, the angle and slope are increased.
Many people don’t schedule their annual physical exams and get their cardiac stress test, and it isn’t something to be ignored. Coronary artery disease (CAD) is a serious heart condition that gets missed when you are at rest. Nearly three (3) million people are diagnosed with it each year. Primarily, Dr. Nazarian is evaluating the status of your cardiovascular system (heart and blood vessels). When you prepare for your test, you need to avoid eating or drinking anything that contains caffeine at least 24 hours before the test. You can’t have tea, coffee, energy drinks, chocolate, or energy/protein bars. Dr. Nazarian will also go over any medications you may be taking.
If you have put off your annual physical exam, it is time to schedule one today that includes a cardiac stress test. Dr. Nazarian will help you develop an exercise program, identify any abnormal heart rhythms, and see how well your heart valves are working. You can schedule your appointment with our office by calling us at 310-299-8959.
