You may need to avoid caffeine the day before and the day of the test.Īsk your doctor if it's safe for you to continue taking all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications before the test. You may be asked not to eat, drink or smoke for a period of time before a stress test. Your doctor will tell you how to prepare for your stress test. Although very rare, it's possible that an exercise stress test could cause a heart attack. Arrhythmias that occur during an exercise stress test usually go away soon after you stop exercising. The problem should go away after you stop exercising. Your blood pressure may drop during or immediately after exercise, possibly causing you to feel dizzy or faint. Possible complications of an exercise stress test are: If an exercise stress test doesn't pinpoint the cause of your signs and symptoms, your doctor may recommend a stress test with imaging, such as a nuclear stress test or stress test with an echocardiogram.Ī stress test is generally safe. Your doctor may use a stress test to determine when you can safely have surgery, such as valve replacement or a heart transplant. The test results also help your doctor decide on the best treatment for you. If you've already been diagnosed with a heart condition, an exercise stress test can help your doctor determine if your current treatment is working.

An arrhythmia can cause your heart to beat too fast, too slowly or irregularly. Heart arrhythmias occur when the electrical signals that coordinate your heartbeat don't work properly.

Diagnose heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias).

Coronary artery disease develops when these arteries become damaged or diseased - usually due to a buildup of deposits containing cholesterol and other substances (plaques). Your coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that supply your heart with blood, oxygen and nutrients. Your doctor may recommend a stress test to:

Good quick cpu stress test