3 Signs You Should Have a Stress Test Done

Many doctors order a cardiac stress test to diagnose heart problems. A cardiac stress test is performed to measure just how well your heart can withstand physical stress. Depending on your situation, a stress test may be performed in-office, leading to better treatment plans in the future. First of all, you need to understand what signs to watch for. Speak with your heart specialist if you notice any of the following symptoms.

Reduced Blood Flow

One of the most common symptoms of heart trouble that requires a cardiac stress test is reduced blood flow. For many, reduced blood flow leads to shortness of breath or chest pains. If you experience either, you’ll want to speak with your doctor promptly to schedule a test.

Heart Attack

If you have recently suffered a heart attack, your heart may not be as strong as it once was. So before you dive into exercise once more, your doctor may wish to test just how strong the heart muscle is today. A cardiac stress test will diagnose the overall strength of your heart and find any coronary heart disease, too.

Arrhythmia

Anyone who experiences arrhythmia symptoms while exercising, including a fluttering sensation in the chest or irregular heartbeats, may wish to schedule a stress test. Another common symptom is feeling faint. Really, any shortness of breath or irregular feelings emanating from your chest should be examined by a heart specialist.

There is no single test that can predict when a heart attack will occur, or even if one will occur at all. The best and safest thing we can do is fight the symptoms of a stressed heart. The first step towards a healthier heart is to diagnose the problemvia a stress test, then form a solid treatment plan.