Your cardiovascular health is critical since it significantly impacts your overall wellness. When your heart and blood vessels can’t effectively replenish your organs with blood rich in oxygen and other nutrients, you are at risk of severe health problems, including fatal organ failure. A specialist may recommend or require that you undergo a stress test Upper West Side Manhattan as you endeavor to keep your cardiovascular health in better condition. The stress test, also called the exercise stress test, shows how the heart functions while in a physically active state. This establishes if there is a problem in how your blood flows in the heart, which could indicate a disease or functionality issue. Among the instances where a specialist may recommend a stress test include:
Cardiovascular condition symptoms
A stress test following symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, pressure, and tightness, is beneficial. This is especially when the symptoms occur after physical activity. Symptoms like upper belly, back, jaw, and neck pain may not seem directly related to the cardiovascular system. Nonetheless, they could also indicate a cardiovascular disease or disorder that a stress test can help diagnose. The common concerns the test can establish are heart arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats) and coronary artery disease.
Pre-existing heart condition
Cardiovascular conditions such as congenital may not necessarily need immediate treatment. Nonetheless, observing their progression is necessary to establish if they are escalating. Understanding their severity helps determine if you may benefit from medicine or surgical correction. A stress test can be a part of the routine screenings to monitor a pre-existing heart condition to inform the treatment and management. It also helps determine the type of physical activity you can safely engage in. For instance, if the condition is severe, you may be advised against engaging in competitive sports since you could be at risk of life-threatening episodes.
Track treatment
Cardiovascular treatments require continuous monitoring. The monitoring helps establish if the treatment is working as intended. Whether it is symptom management for incurable conditions or reversing some damages, the tests help inform the ideal course of action. Treatment may initially work but, after some time, fail. This may require adjusting the dosage or changing the prescription. The test ensures the treatment plan is not based on trial and error but rather an information-driven strategy.
Pre-surgery requirement
Following a diagnosis, you may need surgical treatment. Before surgery, the doctor must ascertain that it is safe. This includes how well your heart can handle physical stress, hence the test. Surgery may have to be withheld to mitigate potential risks and complications if you are not in good health.
Cardiovascular concerns can be scary, especially if you are overly worried about the symptoms. A stress test can help establish the cause of your symptoms, inform the treatment approach, and make adopting a safer and healthier lifestyle easier. The stress test is non-invasive, allowing you to learn more about your cardiovascular health comfortably. Visit Central Park West Primary Care and Cardiology Physician for more information, or schedule a stress test today.