Stress testing counts as an effective method of diagnosing existing heart complications and ensuring your heart is well enough for exercise. At Louisiana Heart and Vascular, top-notch specialists offer nuclear and exercise stress testing in Covington. If you seek to comprehend the cause of your chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms related to heart complications better, Dr. Aduli Farhad can help. To discover whether stress testing is suitable for you, contact the specialists online or request an appointment by phone today.
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What is Stress Testing?
Stress testing evaluates how well your heart is working while you are exercising. Your heart pumps blood quicker the harder you exercise. Some disorders are easier to correct when your heart is under stress. Therefore you may need to stress test. If Dr. Aduli feels you have an arrhythmia or coronary artery disease, they may propose a stress test. If you have these or other inexplicable symptoms, you may need to get tested:
· Irregular Heartbeat
· Chest Pain
· Shortness of Breath
· Rapid Heartbeat
If you are being treated for heart disease, Dr. Aduli may conduct stress testing to see how efficient your medication is.
What Can I Expect During A Stress Test?
Dr. Aduli delivers two types of stress tests at Louisiana Heart and Vascular: exercise stress testing and nuclear stress testing.
Exercise Stress Test
Dr. Aduli places electrode sensors on your chest, arms, and legs during an exercise stress test. These sensors are attached to an electrocardiogram (ECG), which measures your heart’s electrical activity.
To raise your heart rate, you can anticipate walking on a treadmill. You can halt the test at any time if you encounter dizziness, chest pain, or other symptoms.
Nuclear Stress Test
You should expect to lie down on an exam table while Dr. Aduli inserts an intravenous (IV) line into your arm during a nuclear stress test. He injects a dye into your heart through an IV line. Dr. Aduli examines your heart when it is at rest using unique camera equipment.
This process is similar to an exercise stress test, in which you raise your heart rate by walking on a treadmill while an ECG monitors your heart activity.
How Do I Prepare for Stress Testing?
Dr. Aduli can advise you on how to take medications prior to your stress testing, and you will most likely be asked to fast for several hours before the procedure. Wear comfortable garments and supportive shoes that won’t get in the way of your physical activity.
Dr. Aduli will analyze your results after the test is completed to see if you need more diagnostic testing or treatment for underlying heart disease. If you experience chest pains or inconsistencies in your heart rhythm, stress testing can help.
Bottom Line
You may fail to notice looming heart complications until it gets severe. With stress testing, you can keep your vascular health in check and formulate proper strategies to manage complications. To learn the numerous benefits of stress testing, contact Louisiana Heart and Vascular experts. Call or book your appointment onsite.