Keep Your Heart in Shape with a Stress Test at Riverview Health in Noblesville, IN
If you think you're having symptoms of a heart attack, seek emergency medical care immediately by calling 911. Learn the symptoms of a heart attack in men and women.
A stress test is an evaluation to measure how well your heart functions during exercise. Stress testing shows how much exercise your heart can handle before having symptoms of a heart problem.
Why a Stress Test Is Performed
Your doctor may recommend a stress test in order to evaluate symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, which are two symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). A stress test may be performed to monitor your heart after a heart attack or heart surgery (like a heart transplant or heart bypass surgery).
Stress testing can help doctors diagnose and monitor the following heart conditions:
- Cardiac arrhythmias (abnormal or irregular heartbeats)
- Cardiomyopathy (disease of the heart muscle)
- Coronary artery disease
- Heart birth defects
- Heart failure
- Heart valve disease
- Pericarditis (inflammation around the heart)
What to Expect from a Stress Test in Noblesville
At Riverview Health, a doctor, nurse or technician will perform your stress test by placing electrodes on your chest, arms and legs, as well as a blood pressure cuff on your arm. You’ll then perform some physically strenuous activities, such as walking or running on a treadmill, to increase your heart rate and measure your heart activity.
The Results of a Stress Test
Once your test is complete, your cardiologist will go over the results with you to determine the best course of action. Results may include:
- Low blood flow during rest and exercise could indicate CAD or damage from a heart attack
- Normal blood flow and function during rest, but not exercise, could indicate CAD or another heart condition
- Normal blood flow and function during rest and exercise, suggesting you may not need any further testing or treatment
To receive the care you need, start by finding a primary care physician at Riverview Health by calling 317.565.0525 or by completing our online form.
Riverview Health evaluates and treats a wide array of heart conditions for people living in Noblesville, Carmel, Cicero, Fishers, Sheridan and Westfield, IN.