A stress test evaluates how well your heart functions during physical exertion. It helps detect potential heart problems, like blocked arteries or irregular heart rhythms, by monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrical activity while you exercise.
If you’re scheduled for a stress test, you might be wondering what to expect and how to prepare. Kunal Patel, MD, and our team at NJ Cardiovascular Institute offer stress testing in Elizabeth, Lakewood, Paramus, and Secaucus, New Jersey, and we’re here to answer your questions.
Most stress tests involve walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike for a specific period of time. If you’re unable to engage in physical activity, we may give you medication that mimics the effects of exercise.
Our team provides specific instructions on how to prepare that are tailored to your health needs, but here are four common things you might need to do. Remember that proper preparation helps ensure the most accurate results, so it’s important to follow your personal instructions closely.
Certain medications, like beta-blockers and calcium channel blockers, can affect your heart rate and blood pressure, which may impact the accuracy of your stress test results. In some cases, we may ask you to temporarily stop taking specific medications like these for a short period before your test.
It’s essential to follow our guidelines, because not all medications should be discontinued. If you have any questions about whether to take your medication on the day of the test, ask our team in advance.
Depending on the type of stress test you’re having, you may need to avoid eating or drinking for several hours before your appointment. For example, if you are undergoing a nuclear stress test, fasting is typically required to ensure accurate imaging of your heart.
Even for a standard treadmill stress test, a avoiding heavy meal beforehand can help prevent nausea during exercise. If you need to take medication with food, ask us about the best approach to balance both requirements.
Caffeine and nicotine can significantly impact your heart rate and blood pressure, and potentially interfere with your test results. In general, we recommend avoiding caffeinated drinks like coffee, tea, and soda for at least 24 hours before your test. Even decaffeinated coffee still contains a small amount of caffeine that can stimulate your heart.
You should also avoid smoking or using nicotine products, as they can affect circulation and make it harder to get accurate readings.
Since most stress tests involve physical activity, wearing appropriate clothing and footwear is important. Choose loose-fitting, breathable clothes and comfortable athletic shoes that provide good support.
Avoid wearing jewelry or accessories that could interfere with the monitoring equipment. If you’re undergoing a pharmacologic stress test (one that doesn’t require exercise), you should still wear comfortable clothing so you can relax during the test.
Preparing for a stress test shouldn’t be stressful. Following these steps can help you have a positive experience and get accurate results — and remember, our team is here to guide you through the process. If you have questions about your preparation instructions, contact us at 201-866-7000 or send us a message online to learn more.
