Stress Test Preparation with CardioVascular Health Clinic

Stress tests are essential diagnostic procedures used to evaluate the performance and resilience of the human body.

While stress tests can vary in nature and purpose, they share a common requirement: thorough preparation.

Here we will explore the significance of stress test preparation and provide valuable insights on preparing for general and heart stress tests. Continue reading to learn more.

Understanding Stress Tests

While the name “stress test” can feel intimidating, we want to assure you they’re not something to stress about.

We are here to help you through all aspects of your testing and ease any anxiety you may have leading up to and during your test.

Stress tests are simulations designed to assess a patient’s ability to function effectively under pressure or stress.

A heart stress test evaluates the heart's response to physical exertion, typically performed on a treadmill or stationary bike.

During the stress portion for a nuclear study, we aim to get the patient's heart rate up to 85% of their maximum (220 – age x .85 = THR target heart rate), which provides valuable insight into their overall cardiovascular performance, areas of concern, and overall health.

Use the video below to better understand how a heart stress test works.

Stress Test Preparation Video

How to Prepare for a Stress Test

Proper preparation is critical to ensuring a successful heart stress test experience.

It enhances the accuracy and reliability of the results and minimizes potential risks and discomfort. Therefore, before your stress test, we encourage you to follow these steps for optimal stress test preparation.

Consult with Cardiovascular Experts

Before undergoing any stress test, consult your cardiologist to understand the entirety of the procedure. Then, detailed instructions will be tailored to your specific needs, addressing any concerns and answering your questions about the upcoming stress test.

For a heart stress test, provide your healthcare provider with a comprehensive medical history, including any pre-existing conditions, medications, allergies, and previous surgeries. This information will enable them to assess your suitability for the test and make any necessary adjustments.

Adhere to Dietary Guidelines and Medication Restrictions

Before your stress test, we may provide specific dietary guidelines to follow. It is crucial to adhere to these instructions, as certain foods and beverages can interfere with the accuracy of the test results. In general, we advise you to avoid caffeine, nicotine, and heavy meals before the test, as they can affect your heart rate and blood pressure.

Along with temporary diet changes, you may also need to temporarily stop certain medications before the stress test, as some drugs may interfere with the test results or pose risks during physical exertion.

Following dietary and medicinal guidelines is a must, or the study may have to be rescheduled.

Dress Appropriately

Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear for a heart stress test. Follow specific instructions provided during your initial consultation regarding clothing restrictions or requirements.

By adequately preparing for stress tests, you can ensure a smoother evaluation process, accurate results, and a more positive experience overall.

Contact us using the form below to learn more or schedule a stress test.

Additional Tools to Help with Preparation for a Stress Test

If you or someone you love has an upcoming stress test, we encourage you to access these additional resources to keep you better prepared:

Stress Test Coach (STC)

Lexiscan Prep

Lexiscan Caffeine Brochure

Testimonials

I’m about one month out and things are so much better. At my two week evaluation my symptom score had gone from a 27 to a 7, and I’m sure it’s even better now. That speaks volumes. Now that I’m post recovery, there is no incontinence, I go to the bathroom much less and there are no ED side effects like there are with other procedures. In regard to my quality of life, well, I don’t maintain my life based on my proximity to a bathroom anymore.

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Blaine P., M.D.

Professional staff working in a beautiful facility with great doctors who sincerely care about their patients. Without Dr. Schmidt's skill, I would have needed heart bypass surgery instead of a stent. Follow-up has been thorough. I can't recommend them highly enough.

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LeAnn H.

Dr. Jim Melton and all the staff are fantastic. He is an excellent surgeon and his team is GREAT!!!! I just had surgery at the surgery center, I have only great things to say about my experience. Without him I really don't think I would be here to write this. If you’re looking for a good cardiovascular team, they are a 5 star for sure.

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Susie H.

Dr. Parsons and staff are amazing. He truly listened to me from the consult. Staff showed genuine care for my progress post procedure. I had my follow up appointment today so satisfied with results. Blake made me comfortable from the start. He is an activist for uterine fibroids treatment beyond the standard.

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Tamara M.

Professional and caring staff. Dr. Smith is very knowledgeable and shows genuine concern for your personal health. I enjoyed the background music in the procedure room, it really adds to the relaxing atmosphere.

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David L.

Dr. John Schrader is the most personable doctor we know. He stays on top of my dads health care and is genuinely concerned about his health. We never leave his office with questions. He answers them all. Even questions we don’t think of. Always professional but never cold or bad bedside manner. In our opinion he is THE BEST around.
Thank you Dr Schrader.

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Kathy J.

I came to Dr. Warren by a self referral for mals when it took me 8yrs 50+ doctors and thousands of dollars spent on no answers. My first visit I was scared I was just going to be gaslighted just like the past however I was pleasantly shocked when Dr. Warren immediately believed me. She took the time to review many disk I had brought from past tests. She never once dismissed me and listened to ever word I had to say. She scheduled one last test to confirm the diagnosis then I was scheduled for surgery right away. Surgery was a success and I can’t thank her and her staff enough. Dr. Warren truly saved my life.

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Angie W.

Dr. Garner literally saved my life 18 months ago and I've followed him to his new practice with Cardiovascular Health. He explains things so clearly, listens and is just a very nice person. His staff is great, too! I highly recommend!

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D Watts

Some of the nicest staff that I have ever dealt with!! They have been so incredibly awesome to my mom!! Would definitely recommend them to anyone!! Thank you so much for being so great with her!!

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Christy G.

The staff, the nurses, and Dr. Parsons were all amazing. Everything was simple and went well – very Bravo Zulu (military phrase meaning "well done"). In addition to the great staff at CardioVascular Health Clinic, the facilities were clean and well maintained. I have no complaints about anything. The whole experience was A1. I would recommend Dr. Parsons to anyone. He made a huge impact on my life.

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John W.