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When visiting your health care provider for a routine physical, they’ll listen to your heart and ask you to discuss any negative symptoms you’re experiencing. Should your primary care clinic discover you have an accelerated heart rate, shortness of breath, chest pain, or indigestion, they’ll likely order a stress test. Here’s what you should know about this diagnostic examination and the path forward. 

Understanding the Purpose of Stress Tests

Why Is This Test Performed?

A stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, helps your health care provider determine how your heart responds under physical strain. This test, which typically occurs on a treadmill or stationary bike, monitors your breathing, heart rate, and blood pressure as you exercise. It’s performed to determine whether a patient has coronary heart disease or an irregular heart rhythm so proper treatment recommendations can be offered. 

What Can You Expect?

Heath CareYour doctor will ask you to wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes to your appointment. Budget at least an hour for your session; however, you’ll likely only be walking or cycling for about fifteen minutes. Before getting started, electrodes will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs. These electrodes connect you to an electrocardiogram machine that monitors your heart rate and blood pressure. The exercise portion will start slowly and will gradually increase until you reach a set target heart rate. If you feel dizzy or overly fatigued at any time, inform your doctor to stop the testing period.  

What Happens After?

Your health care provider will evaluate the results of your test to determine whether you have heart disease or an irregular heartbeat, as well as the severity of this condition. Based on your unique results, they’ll provide a treatment plan which may include additional testing, diet and exercise changes, medication, or surgery. 

 

If you’re looking for a comprehensive medical center known for offering family-oriented, compassionate health care, Fairbanks Clinic, Inc. in Alaska is your go-to source for lifelong service. Since opening in 1932, this primary care clinic has provided hands-on, modern medical services, including stress tests, to help patients lead healthy lives. Call today at (907) 452-1761 to schedule an appointment. To learn more about their convenient Patient Portal, which allows seamless prescription refills, appointment scheduling, and access to medical records, visit the website.

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