What Is
Cardiac Stress Testing?
Cardiac stress testing is a non-invasive diagnostic procedure that assesses how well your heart functions under physical stress. During the test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings are monitored while you undergo controlled physical activity, typically by walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike.
The Goals Of
Cardiac Stress Testing
The primary goals of cardiac stress testing are:
⦁ Detecting Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): The test can reveal if your coronary arteries are narrowed or blocked, which could restrict blood flow to the heart muscle and cause chest pain (angina) or other symptoms.
⦁ Evaluating Heart Function After a Cardiac Event: If you’ve had a heart attack, heart surgery, or other cardiac procedures, stress testing can help determine the effectiveness of the treatment and assess your heart’s current condition.
⦁ Identifying Arrhythmias: Cardiac stress testing can detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) that may occur during physical exertion, which could indicate an underlying heart condition.
⦁ Assessing Exercise Tolerance: The test can establish safe exercise limits based on your individual cardiovascular health and fitness level.
⦁ Monitoring Medication Effectiveness: Stress testing can evaluate the efficacy of certain medications prescribed for chest pain, arrhythmias, or other cardiac conditions.
How Do I Prepare for
MPI Stress Test Or MUGA Test?
MPI STRESS TEST
(ALLOW 3 HRS FOR THIS TEST).
MUGA TEST
(ALLOW 2 HRS FOR THIS TEST).
- Drink plenty of fluids the day before & the day of test so you are well hydrated.
- NO CAFFINE 12 HOURS prior to test. (This includes coffee, tea, cola, & chocolate.)
- Hold water pill the day of your appointment. (This includes coffee, tea, cola, & chocolate.)
- You may have a light meal 2 hours prior to appointment (unless you are having blood drawn). If you are having blood work today, please bring a snack.
- Take medications as prescribed (except for water pill).
- No lotion, perfumes or powder.
- You will be walking on a treadmill. Please wear walking shoes or tennis shoes & a 2-piece outfit with a loose-fitting shirt with NO METAL on it.
- Please DO NOT WEAR HIGH HEELS, SANDALS OR DRESSES.
How Do I Prepare for
A Treadmill Stress Test?
TREADMILL STRESS TEST (TST)
(ALLOW 45 MINS FOR THIS TEST).
- NO CAFFINE 24 HOURS prior to test. (This includes coffee, tea, cola, & chocolate.)
- You may have a light meal 2 hours prior to appointment
- Take medications as prescribed (except for water pill).
- No lotion, perfumes or powder.
- You may be walking on a treadmill. Please wear walking shoes or tennis shoes & a loose-fitting shirt. NO DRESSES.
Trust Rochester Medical Center For
All Your Cardiac Stress Testing Needs
If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of heart disease or have concerns about your cardiovascular health, don’t hesitate to schedule a cardiac stress test at Rochester Medical Center. Early detection and prompt treatment can make a significant difference in managing heart-related conditions and maintaining a healthy, active lifestyle.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact us today!