Stress Test

Cardiology, Cardiac Electrophysiologists, General Cardiology, Cardiology, Cardiologists & Cardiologist to Women's Health & Cardiology located in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD

Stress Test services offered in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Largo and Laurel, MD

A stress test is a noninvasive procedure to assess your heart’s function if you have chest pain, palpitations, or other unusual, heart-related symptoms. Capitol Cardiology Associates offers in-office stress test services to assess how well your heart works when at rest and during physical activity. A stress test can also provide important details to help the experienced cardiologists create a treatment plan for underlying heart issues. Call the office in Lanham, Bowie, Camp Springs, Silver Spring, Laurel, or Largo, Maryland, to schedule a stress test consultation or book an appointment online today.

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Stress Test Q & A

What is a stress test?

A stress test is a diagnostic procedure that shows how efficiently your heart is working during physical activity. This type of test can identify issues affecting the flow of blood through your heart.

Capitol Cardiology Associates offers on-site stress tests to diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD) and arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat). The team also uses the results of a stress test to create a treatment plan for your condition.

When would I need a stress test?

You might need a stress test if you have symptoms of a heart issue such as:

Chest pain
Heart palpitations
Shortness of breath
Lightheadedness or dizziness

Your Capitol Cardiology Associates provider may also perform an echocardiogram if you plan to have surgery and need cardiac preoperative clearance.

What happens during a stress test?

Capitol Cardiology Associates offers stress tests in-office. Ahead of your test, you may need to avoid eating and drinking for several hours. Your physician may also ask you to stop taking certain medications.

On the day of your test, you should dress in loose, comfortable clothing. The providers place electrodes on your chest and limbs to monitor your heart activity while you walk on a treadmill or ride a bike. You also wear a blood pressure cuff throughout your test.

Typically, you start walking or biking at a slow pace and gradually increase your speed. Your physician monitors your heart rate and blood pressure as the exercise becomes more difficult.

If you can’t engage in physical exercise, your provider can give you medication through an intravenous (IV) line. The medication increases blood flow to your heart and mimics the effects of exercise.

How long does it take to get the results of a stress test?

After your stress test is complete, your Capitol Cardiology Associates provider continues to monitor your heart’s activity while you rest.

If your stress test shows that your heart is functioning well, you may not need additional testing.

If there are irregularities in your test results, you may need an echocardiogram or other cardiac test to diagnose underlying heart issues. Your provider can also discuss any treatments you might need during your appointment.

After your stress test, you’re free to resume your usual activities without limitations.

Call the Capitol Cardiology Associates office near you to schedule a stress test or book an appointment online today.