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Stress Test Specialist

Long Island Heart & Vascular Our Services Stress Test

Long Island Heart & Vascular

Cardiovascular Disease Specialists & Endovascular Specialists located in Westbury, South Richmond Hill, Ridgewood, and the Bronx NY

A cardiac stress test provides valuable information about how well your heart functions when it’s working hard. At Long Island Heart & Vascular in Westbury and Ridgewood, New York, board-certified interventional cardiologist Karthik Gujja, MD, MPH, and internal medicine specialist Hima Yalamanchili, MD, often recommend stress testing to evaluate your heart’s health and monitor for early signs of heart disease. Schedule a visit today to discuss cardiac stress testing. Call the office or book your appointment online.

Stress Test Q & A

Why would I need a stress test?

A stress test can help Dr. Gujja determine how well your heart functions under the increased workload demanded by exercise.

This can help with:

  • Diagnosing coronary artery disease
  • Arrhythmia diagnosis and treatment
  • Guiding treatment of known heart disorders
  • Determining how much exercise is safe during a cardiac rehab program

If a standard stress test doesn’t help determine the cause of your symptoms, Dr. Gujja may recommend a nuclear stress test or echocardiographic stress test to provide images of your heart at rest and after exercise to identify concerning changes.  

What can I expect during a stress test?

Dr. Gujja will discuss the details of your stress test before performing the study. Generally, however, dress comfortably and bring walking shoes since you will be asked to walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike during the test. If you aren’t able to exercise, you’ll be given medication that mimics exercise by increasing the blood flow through your heart.

The test starts slowly, but the exercise becomes more strenuous as the test progresses, either through an increasing incline on the treadmill or more pedal tension on the bike. The test itself takes about 15 minutes, but prep time uses up about 45 minutes, so plan on an hour.

Is a stress test safe?

You are monitored closely throughout the stress test. This includes careful monitoring by Dr. Gujja along with a nurse and/or technician to provide support as necessary. An electrocardiogram (EKG) that continuously tracks your heart rate and rhythm and blood pressure monitoring throughout the test provide additional safety measures.

You can also stop the test at any time if you feel you can’t continue and should certainly stop and let Dr. Gujja know right away if you experience moderate to severe chest pain or dizziness.

Dr. Gujja will stop the test once you’ve reached your target heart rate, sooner if you should develop:

  • Severe shortness of breath
  • Abnormally high or low blood pressure
  • Certain changes in your electrocardiogram

You can rely on the team at Long Island Heart & Vascular to provide outstanding health care that includes state-of-the-art technology, top-rated medical expertise, and a genuine commitment to your overall well-being. Schedule a visit today by calling the office or booking your appointment online.