Should I Have An Exercise Stress Test?

An exercise stress test also called a stress test, treadmill test, and exercise tolerance test, measures the heart response to physical exertion. This test can give your doctor an idea how safe it would be for you to exercise and at what intensity you can exercise with relative safety. The results for this test indicate the amount of oxygen and blood flow your heart is receiving when you exert your body such as during an exercise activity.

Stress tests are common tests doctors use for diagnosing heart disease. These tests are also used for gauging the safety of a Doctor proposed exercise program.

If you undergo an exercise test, your doctor will ask you to either pedal a stationary bike or walk on a motorized treadmill that increases in speed or grade. Electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heart activity and your blood pressure.

Should you have an exercise test?

It depends. . .

Some people worry that an exercise stress test could be dangerous to someone with heart disease. It's extremely safe if doctors examine patients beforehand.

Healthy people who take the test are at very little risk. It's about the same as walking fast or jogging up a big hill. Medical professionals should always be present in case something unusual happens during your test.

The American College of Sports Medicine recommends an exercise test for those who show signs of heart disease -- or run the risk of developing it. They feel and exercise test is a good idea for anyone who:

• Is over the age of 35 and have the least one coronary risk factor

• Is 45 years old or older and healthy?

• Has a family history of heart disease

• Leads a sedentary life

• Has high blood pressure

• Has high cholesterol

• Smoke cigarettes

• Has an abnormal resting electrocardiogram

• Has diabetes mellitus

• Have experience chest pains during physical activity

• Has been diagnosed as having a heart ailment, pulmonary disease or a metabolic disorder

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