Stress Tests

We do a variety of Stress Tests in the Department of Cardiology. These tests are generally used to determine if there is any evidence of Coronary Artery Disease, an arterial blockage which prevents the heart from receiving normal blood flow. We stress the heart by either physical exercise (treadmill walking or pedalling a bicycle while lying flat on your back on a table) or by giving a medication (dobutamine). When the heart is under stress it beats faster and with more strength. The heart needs more oxygen to do this. If one or more of the coronary arteries (the arteries which supply the heart muscle with oxygen) has a significant blockage, the stress usually brings on angina (chest pain) and the ECG usually becomes abnormal. In this way we can determine if there is a coronary blockage or not.

How To Prepare for a Stress Test:

1. Wear comfortable clothes for normal walking. Wear pants or shorts and a top, no dresses. Wear shoes or sneakers which are good for walking or running.

2. Do not eat or drink for 4 hours prior to the test. If you have medications you need to take, take them with a small amount of water.

3. If you have diabetes and are on diabetes medicines be aware that you will be without food for the 4 hours prior to your test. You may need to adjust your diabetes medicines accordingly.

4. If you are on a Beta Blocking Medication do not take it within 12 hours of the stress test unless you are told to do otherwise. Beta blocking drugs include atenolol, metoprolol, propranolol, sotalol and carvedilol. Each of these medications are also known by their trademark names. If you are unsure if you are on a beta blocker ask us or your regular doctor.

5. Register for your test at the second floor registration window in Medical Office Building B.

6. If you have questions please feel free to call us at 510-307-1708.

Disclaimer
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