Have you been advised to undergo stress testing? Also known as a nuclear stress test, this diagnostic process involves exercising for a predetermined period, while your heart rate and respiration are continuously monitored. Not only is stress testing non invasive and painless, but it also provides insightful information about your cardiac health. In fact, stress testing may identify arrhythmia and predict the risk of cardiovascular illness, among other things. At TLC Medical Group Inc., Dr. Anthony Lewis and his expert staff provide diagnostic stress testing as a portion of your extensive cardiac care services. If you are contemplating nuclear stress testing Port Saint Lucie, here is what this screening may reveal concerning your heart health.
1. Assess Your Susceptibility to Developing Coronary Artery Disease
Typically, the primary objective of stress testing is to assess the susceptibility to developing coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is one of the most prevalent forms of cardiovascular illness and occurs whenever the principal arteries that nourish the heart become obstructed or injured.
During your stress test, Dr. Lewis can establish whether you have at least a 70% obstruction in any coronary artery. If so, you have CAD. To verify a diagnosis of cardiac illness, Dr. Lewis can prescribe other tests in addition to stress testing.
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2. Examine the Performance of Your Heart During Physical Activity
Exercise strains the body, causing the heart to work extra and the blood to pump quicker. Possible abnormalities with your heart or arteries could be simpler to spot while your heart works harder than if it is at rest.
During a stress test, Dr. Lewis and his staff examine your blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration. As you workout, your heart rate increases, and your physician can observe cardiac functionality and breathing rate alterations during the test.
3. Diagnose Arrhythmias (Jagged Heartbeats)
An arrhythmia is an abnormal heartbeat produced by alterations in the heart’s electrical signals. An arrhythmia might feel like a racing or fluttering heart, and it can happen whenever the heart beats too slowly or quickly. Although arrhythmias do not usually indicate a more significant cardiac condition, many forms of arrhythmia worsen with activity.
If you exhibit symptoms of cardiac arrhythmia, Dr. Lewis will conduct a stress test. Throughout your stress test, he will look for anomalies in your heartbeat and might even suggest an echocardiogram to obtain a clear picture of your heart health.
What Does Stress Testing Actually Involve?
During your stress testing appointment, Dr. Lewis and his staff will place electrodes on your body and a blood pressure monitor on your arm. You pedal a stationary bicycle or stroll on a treadmill until you hit a preset pulse rate goal. Throughout this time, your doctor checks your crucial signs and how you are doing, then disconnects the sensors after you finish exercising.
Once your testing is done, Dr. Lewis will discuss his conclusions with you. If your results show you have a cardiovascular illness, initiating therapy may help you control your symptoms and lower your risk of developing heart problems. At TLC Medical Group Inc., Dr. Lewis will provide you with the knowledge and resources you require to make heart-healthy lifestyle modifications. The team will collaborate with you to keep track of your general health and may prescribe additional stress tests in the future to follow improvements with time.
Have you been experiencing symptoms like dizziness, chest discomfort, lightheadedness, or another indication of a cardiac problem? If so, do not hesitate to talk to Dr. Anthony Lewis about your eligibility for a stress test. Through this diagnosis procedure, Dr. Lewis can establish if you have or are at risk of a life-threatening heart condition. Schedule a consultation through mobile or book online to learn more.