An Exercise Treadmill Test offered by the Cardiac Doctor, Steven Reisman, MD is a simple painless cardiac stress test offered at the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center. The exercise stress test involves exercising on a treadmill while you are closely monitored.
What Is an Exercise Stress Test?
An exercise stress test is used to determine how well your heart functions under a physical load when it needs to work harder than normal. Exercise testing uses a treadmill exercise with blood pressure monitoring and electrocardiography (ECG). Your cardiologist than monitors your heart rate and electrical activity of your heart for any changes. This cardiac stress test is also referred to as a treadmill test or exercise test and is commonly used to determine functional capacity and estimate prognosis.
The most compassionate doctors I’ve ever had and this means a lot because I hate going to doctors. He is simply the best! I wasn’t thrilled to be diagnosed with high blood pressure or heart disease but having Dr. Reisman as my cardiologist makes the experience a little easier to handle. Kind, knowledgable and supportive while also is your partner in your health. Great front office staff and technicians that are helpful and just as kind. I highly recommend Dr. Reisman ~ Google
How to Prepare for an Exercise Stress Test?
You must not eat, smoke, or drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for 3 hours (or more) before the test. Please wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for walking. If you use an inhaler for your breathing, please bring it to the test. In most cases, you will be asked to avoid caffeine for 24 hours before the test. This includes:
- Tea and coffee
- All sodas, even ones that are labeled caffeine-free
- Chocolates
- Certain pain relievers that contain caffeine
Why is the Exercise Stress Test Performed?
- Determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan
- You are having chest pain (to check for coronary artery disease — narrowing of the arteries that feed the heart muscle)
- You have angina (a condition marked by pain in the chest) and it is getting worse or is happening more often
- You have had a heart attack
- You have had angioplasty or heart bypass surgery
- You are going to start an exercise program and you have heart disease or certain risk factors, such as diabetes
- To identify heart rhythm changes that may occur during exercise
- To further test for a heart valve problem
- There may be other reasons why your health care provider asks for this test
The Stress Test Continues until:
- You reach a target heart rate
- You develop chest pain or a change in your blood pressure that is concerning
- ECG changes suggest that your heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen
- You are too tired or have other symptoms, such as leg pain, that keep you from continuing
When you have an abnormal exercise stress test, you may have other tests performed on your heart such as:
After the cardiologist has reviewed your test, the results will be thoroughly discussed with you and additionally made available to you and your primary care doctor.
If you have any questions for the best in class NYC cardiologist or would like to schedule a consultation or appointment please feel free to contact Dr. Steven Reisman of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center and indicate which Manhattan office (Upper East Side, Midtown Manhattan, or Wall Street / Financial District) you would like to see the cardiologist for a cardiac consultation.
