Your Guide To Stress Tests

Your heart works hard and is incredibly important for your entire body. However, health conditions and much more can affect your heart health, increasing your risk of many issues. If you would like to know more to determine if stress testing is right for you, keep reading.

What Are Signs of Poor Heart Health? 

Poor heart and circulatory system health can to a multitude of health conditions, including:

• Heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Stroke
• Hypertension
• Arrhythmias

These conditions and many more can lead to many unpleasant side effects and signs. The exact symptoms depend on the condition, but most come with some kind of chest tightness or pressure and shortness of breath.

Complications with extremities like swelling and numbness/tingling are also common. Depending on your condition, other symptoms may include:

• Dizziness
• Fluttering in the chest
• Lightheadedness
• Blue lips/skin
• Fatigue
• Irregular or changes in heartbeat

What Causes Poor Heart Health?

Some people are at higher risk of developing heart conditions, but in many cases, you can do a lot to prevent heart health complications. Many cardiovascular conditions are caused by poor diet and lack of exercise. A diet with lots of unhealthy fats can cause plaque buildup in the cardiovascular system, increasing the risk of a blockage. Exercising, especially aerobic exercising, boosts the heart rate, strengthening it.

Smoking and being constantly exposed to secondhand smoke can also drastically impact your cardiovascular health. In addition, many diseases, such as diabetes, can affect your cardiovascular health too.

What Happens During a Stress Test?

A stress test is a great way to test your heart's health by testing it under physical stress. During the stress test, the doctor connects you to an EKG machine and has you exercise (commonly running on a treadmill). They can monitor the blood flow in your heart, your blood pressure, the rate/rhythm of your heartbeat, and the strength of the brain signals that control your heartbeat.

After the test, the doctor can advise you on steps to improve your cardiovascular health. You may also want to ask about a stress test if you've decided to get active, but anyone can benefit from a test to better monitor their health.

Stress tests are a fantastic way to monitor your heart health and identify any complications. While they are commonly associated with older people or those who are out of shape, they can also be used as a preventative measure. If you would like to know more, contact a provider today.