In this study, resistance exercises are performed to have an accurate assessment of cardiac output. Some of the main objectives of the test are:
- Help establish a diagnosis.
- Provide follow-up to the evolution and/or treatment of a heart problem.
- Evaluate the recovery process after surgery.
This test allows us to assess whether there are abnormalities in the coronary arteries, especially if manifestations such as feeling short of breath, palpitations, excessive fatigue or chest pain appears.
Usually, the stress test is a complementary study that allows to know if there are congenital heart problems, blood pressure problems or cardiomyopathies. It can also be recommended if you have a family history of heart problems, if you have suffered a heart attack before, or if you are about to start some type of training.
Recommendations prior to the test:
Your ABC doctor will ask you to consider the following guidelines before undergoing the test:
- Preferably avoid exhausting activities at least 12 hours before the study.
- On the day of the test, wear tennis shoes, as well as loose and comfortable clothing.
- Avoid alcohol consumption days prior to the study.
- Continue or suspend any drug treatment, according to your doctor’s indications.
- Do not consume food or drink, at least two hours before the test.
During the test:
They will take your vital signs to have them as a reference and also to know if it is convenient for you to undergo the study.
Then, sensors called electrodes will be placed on your chest to record your heart activity during the physical tests you will be subjected to.
As time passes, and in intervals of 3 to 5 minutes, the resistance will be greater, so it will be essential that when requested, you do your best, since only then will more reliable information be obtained.
Do not worry if you feel bad during the test or detect a significant imbalance in your vital signs, the study will conclude so you can recover.
At the end of the test:
The study lasts approximately one hour, and upon completion you will likely feel fatigued and even dizzy, but you will recover soon.
Your ABC doctor will review your results and interpret the information to guide you regarding treatment and possible follow-up studies.
At the Cardiovascular Center we offer you a wide range of prevention, diagnosis, timely treatment, and follow-up services to take care of you through a comprehensive and multidisciplinary care model. Come to us, we want to hear your heart.
Related centers and departments
Fuentes:
- fundación española del corazón
- msdmanuals.com
- clinicamayo.org
- medigraphic.org
- American College of Sport Medicine: Guidelines for evaluation of health status prior to exercise testing and prescription. Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription. 3rd Edition, Philadelphia: Lea & Febiger, 1986; 1-30.
- Padilla PJ, Martínez LE, Olvera SG, et al. Dinámica cardiopulmonar durante una prueba de esfuerzo máximo en atletas mexicanos de resistencia. Arch Cardiol Mex. 2000;70(3):268-284.
- Rodríguez PA, Guirado BO, Paz GHJ, et al. Patrones hemodinámicos y respuesta al ejercicio isométrico en normotensos, prehipertensos e hipertensos; diferencias de género. Medicentro. 2018;22(3):228-237.
