Stress Test

Male athlete does a cardiac stress test

Stress Test Specialists

Of all the tests available to identify problems with your heart, stress testing is the only one that shows how the heart works when you exercise. The team at Trident Cardiology Associates, PA, performs several types of stress tests so they can accurately diagnose your heart condition and develop individualized treatment. To schedule an appointment, call the office in Ladson, Walterboro, Moncks Corner, Summerville, or Mount Pleasant, South Carolina today.
Call Us: 843-285-2500

Stress Test Q&A

What is stress testing?

A stress test shows how well your heart performs when increased physical activity forces it to pump more blood. Evaluating the electrical activity in your heart while at rest and when exercising or under stress provides important information about the heart’s overall health. Additionally, some heart problems only occur when you’re active.

When would I need to have stress testing?

Stress testing helps to:

  • Diagnose coronary artery disease
  • Diagnose heart arrhythmias
  • Diagnose heart valve problems
  • Diagnose heart failure
  • Detect problems with blood flow in your heart
  • Determine the best treatment for a heart condition
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of heart treatments

Your provider at Trident Cardiology Associates, PA, may also perform a stress test to determine a safe level of exercise.

What happens during a stress test?

Your provider places electrodes on your chest and connects them to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine. The ECG records your heart’s electrical activity before and during your stress test. You also wear a blood pressure cuff so your provider can check your blood pressure while you exercise.

During most stress tests, you walk on a treadmill. This exercise stress test starts slowly. Then your provider gradually increases the speed of the treadmill to boost your heart rate.

The stress test continues until you reach your peak heart rate or develop uncomfortable symptoms. Highly trained medical professionals stay with you throughout the stress test, so you have immediate care if you don’t feel well.

What other type of stress testing might I have?

In addition to exercise stress testing, your provider may perform one of the following:

Pharmacologic stress test

If you can’t tolerate exercise or have difficulty walking on the treadmill, your provider injects medications that increase your heart rate. Your provider may use Adenocard®, Lexiscan®, or Dobutrex®.

Nuclear stress test

During a nuclear stress test, your provider combines nuclear imaging with a stress test. They perform nuclear imaging by injecting a radioactive dye into your bloodstream. Then a specialized machine picks up the radiation, creating images of the blood as it flows through your heart.

They take an image before and after your stress test and compare the differences in blood flow. A nuclear stress test provides details about blood flow problems that don’t appear on other types of imaging.

Stress echocardiogram

Your provider takes an echocardiogram before and after your stress test. Echocardiograms use ultrasound to produce images of your heart.

If you have questions about stress testing or need to schedule an appointment, call Trident Cardiology Associates, PA, or book an appointment online.

All Services

Imaging

Stress Test

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Echocardiogram

Heart Catheter

Vascular Disease

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Heart Attack

Take Control of Your Heart Health

At Trident Cardiology, we are dedicated to providing exceptional cardiac care and helping our patients lead healthy, fulfilling lives. If you’re concerned about your heart health or have a family history of heart disease, don’t wait any longer. Schedule an appointment with our expert team today to take control of your heart health and ensure a bright, healthy future.

Call Us: 843-285-2500