Cardiac Stress Test
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 2, 2024.
What do I need to know about a cardiac stress test?
A cardiac stress test shows how healthy your heart is and how well your heart works during stress. Your heart may be placed under stress with medicine or exercise. This test may also be called an exercise stress test or a cardiac exercise test. Plan for up to 90 minutes for prep time and the test.
How do I prepare for a cardiac stress test?
- Your healthcare provider will talk to you about how to prepare for your test. Your provider may tell you not to eat, drink, or smoke for up to 4 hours before the test.
- Tell your provider about all your current medicines. Your provider will tell you if you need to stop any medicine for the test, and when to stop. Your provider will tell you which medicines to take or not take on the day of your test.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes that you can exercise in to your test.
- Bring an inhaler with you if you normally use one during exercise.
What will happen during a cardiac stress test?
A healthcare provider will place electrodes (sticky patches) on your chest. Hair may be shaved to help them stick. Wires connect the electrodes to a computer. The computer records your heart's electrical activity. You may have a blood pressure cuff on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. Providers may also measure your blood oxygen level. You may be asked to breathe into a tube during the test. This will show how well you are able to breathe during exercise. If you are going to get medicine during the test, a provider will insert an IV. A provider will monitor your heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure during the test.
- During a cardiac stress test with exercise, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal on a stationary bicycle. The exercise will get harder during the test. You will exercise until your heart rate has reached a certain level, or you start to have certain signs and symptoms. These include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or an abnormal blood pressure or heart rhythm.
- During a cardiac stress test with medicine, your provider will inject medicine through your IV. This medicine will make your heart beat faster and work harder. You may have the same symptoms as with the exercise test. These symptoms should stop when your provider stops giving you medicine. Tell your provider if you have severe chest pain or dizziness. Other medicine may be given to treat severe chest pain or dizziness.
What should I expect after a cardiac stress test?
You will sit or lie down. Your breathing, blood pressure, and heart rate will be monitored for several minutes. Your IV will be removed if you had one. You can return to your usual activities after the test, or as directed.
What are the risks of a cardiac stress test?
You may have low blood pressure during or right after the test. This can cause you to feel dizzy or faint. You may have an abnormal heart rhythm. These risks usually go away after the test is complete. A heart attack is possible but rare.
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