No one wants heart problems. Heart attack, angina, cardiovascular disease, arrhythmias, and more concern many Americans, and they need the best in diagnostics and treatment. At the Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care in Kissimmee, Poinciana and St. Cloud, FL, your cardiologist, Dr. Aamir Javaid, performs innovative cardiac procedures including the exercise stress test. Here are details on this important diagnostic and what it can reveal.

What is a stress test?

It's a procedure performed at the Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care. Your cardiologist will challenge your heart rate, rhythm, and function as you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. As you exercise in sneakers and comfortable clothing, you'll be observed for any cardiac symptoms (such as fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath) and monitored with an EKG. Also, the doctor will watch your heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure.

Some patients undergo something called a nuclear stress test. Basically, it fully resembles a stress test; however, the patient receives an injection of a nuclear dye that circulates through the heart and images heart muscle function and circulation.

Why would you need a stress test?

There are several reasons why your cardiologist orders a stress test:

• You are symptomatic (with chest pain as an example), and he wishes to pinpoint why.
• You have had surgery or medical treatment for a heart issue, and he wants to track your progress.
• The doctor wants to predict the risk of developing cardiovascular issues.
• You want to start an exercise program and must know if it is safe for you to do so.

The American Heart Association (AHA) says that this test yields valuable information so that your physician can individualize your cardiac care plan. Additionally, the AHA states that the test is very safe and no more difficult than walking up quickly uphill. You may stop the test any time you feel sick, fatigued, or uncomfortable in any way.

Find out more

An exercise stress test is one of the simplest and most valuable cardiovascular evaluations. To learn more about how it can help your cardiac treatment plan, please call the Institute for Advanced Cardiovascular Care in Kissimmee, Poinciana and St. Cloud, FL. Dr. Javaid and his team are kind and expert in all phases of cardiovascular care. Call today.