Cardiac Stress Testing in Buffalo, NY

A cardiac stress test is a diagnostic tool that evaluates the heart’s response to exercise or other forms of stress. The test is designed to identify abnormalities in the heart’s blood flow and function that may not be apparent at rest. During a cardiac stress test, a patient undergoes the following steps:

Preparation: An electrocardiogram machine, which captures the electrical activity of the heart, is connected to the patient. Throughout the test, blood pressure and heart rate are also monitored.

Exercise: The patient is instructed to exercise on a stationary bike or a treadmill. To increase the heart rate and initiate stress, exercise intensity is gradually increased.

Imaging: An echocardiogram, nuclear imaging, or other imaging methods can be used to capture images of the heart while the patient is exercising. These images can demonstrate how the heart reacts to physical activity and reveal regions with compromised blood flow or function.

Recovery: Following the exercise, the patient is monitored closely for a few minutes as their heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.

The body is put under physical strain during a stress test, which puts more strain on the heart and circulatory system. The heart’s response to stress is tracked using an ECG, which records the electrical activity of the heart. It can spot changes in the electrical activity of the heart that can point to abnormalities. Throughout the test, blood pressure is also monitored to observe how well the circulatory system is handling stress.

Imaging tests, such as nuclear imaging or echocardiograms, are often used during a stress test in addition to blood pressure and ECG monitoring. These examinations can spot irregularities that the ECG may miss, such as areas where the heart muscle is receiving less blood flow.

The outcomes of a stress test are used in the diagnosis of diseases like coronary artery disease, abnormal heart valves, and arrhythmias. A healthcare provider can decide whether additional testing or treatment is required to address any heart conditions based on the results.

There are several types of stress tests used to evaluate the heart’s function and blood flow. These include:

Exercise stress test: This is the most common type of stress test, in which the patient exercises while having their blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiogram tracked.

Echocardiogram stress test: This is an exercise stress test combined with an echocardiogram, which uses sound waves to produce images of the heart.

Nuclear stress test: This test measures blood flow to the heart muscle during exercise by injecting a small amount of a radioactive tracer into the bloodstream. Before and after exercise, pictures of the heart are taken to compare blood flow to the heart muscle.

Cardiopulmonary exercise test: The amount of oxygen consumed and the amount of carbon dioxide produced during exercise are measured to assess both the heart and the lungs.

Pharmacological stress test: Patients who are unable to exercise undergo this test. To raise the heart rate and blood pressure, a drug is used to mimic exercise.

Depending on the kind of test being done and the unique circumstances of each patient, a cardiac stress test’s duration can vary slightly. Although the actual exercise portion of the test typically lasts only 10 to 15 minutes, a regular exercise stress test lasts between 30 and 60 minutes.

A nuclear stress test may require the patient making two appointments. The second appointment, intended for the imaging portion of the test, can last up to 3 hours. As the medication used to simulate exercise may take longer to take effect, a pharmacological stress test may also last longer than a regular exercise stress test.

It’s worth noting that you may have to fast or stop taking certain medications before the test, which could extend the timeframe. You can get detailed instructions on how to get ready for your stress test as well as what to expect during and after the procedure from our clinic.

To learn more about the stress testing, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are located at 4330 Maple Rd. Buffalo, NY 14226. We serve patients from Buffalo NY, Pine Hill NY, Sloan NY, Kaiser Town NY, Kenmore NY, Cleveland Hill NY, and surrounding areas.