Can a Stress Test Show a Blockage?
- Posted on: Jul 27 2023
Yes, a stress test can reveal signs of a blockage in your arteries. The test measures how your heart performs under exertion, and abnormal results, like a sudden spike in heart rate or a drop in blood oxygen, often point to reduced blood flow caused by a blockage.
Coronary artery disease (CAD) affects more than 18 million people in the US, and it develops when plaque builds up inside the arteries that carry oxygen-rich blood away from the heart. A stress test is one of the most reliable tools for identifying this condition.
What Is a Stress Test?
A cardiac stress test shows how well your heart works both at rest and during physical activity. During the test, you typically walk on a treadmill at a gradually increasing pace while a member of our team monitors your heart’s rhythm through an EKG. This test can reveal:
- Early Signs of CAD: Changes in heart rhythm or blood flow during exertion
- Heart Function After a Heart Attack: How well your heart recovers and performs
- Progression of Congestive Heart Failure: Changes in your heart’s pumping ability
- Blood Flow Problems: Areas where circulation to the heart muscle falls short
Can a Stress Test Detect an Artery Blockage?
When cholesterol builds up along the inner lining of an artery, it forms plaque that hardens and narrows the passage. This restricts blood flow to the heart and raises the risk of a heart attack or stroke. A stress test can uncover several signs that point to a blockage, including:
- Low Blood Oxygen Levels: Especially if they appear early in the test or while you’re still at rest, which can signal a severe blockage that needs immediate attention
- A Dramatic Rise in Pulse or Blood Pressure: This shows your heart is working harder than it should, often because a blockage is restricting blood flow
- Abnormal EKG Changes: Specific patterns in your heart’s electrical activity during exercise can point to reduced blood flow to the heart muscle
How Do I Prepare for a Stress Test?
You can take a few simple steps in the days before your test to help us get accurate results. If you smoke, stop at least 24 hours beforehand. You should also avoid caffeine in every form, since it can alter your starting heart rate. Steer clear of the following before your appointment:
- Coffee
- Most teas
- Caffeinated sodas
- Cocoa
- Chocolate
- Midol
- Excedrin
- Anacin
Don’t eat for at least four hours before your test, though water and other caffeine-free liquids are fine right up until your appointment. You may want to bring a light snack for after the test. If you take insulin for diabetes, check with our office beforehand to confirm your dosage for that day.
What Happens During the Test?
On the day of the test, a nurse or technician will place adhesive electrode pads on your chest, arms, and legs, which may require them to shave a small amount of hair. These electrodes connect to an EKG machine that tracks your heart rate and blood pressure throughout the test as you walk on the treadmill at an increasing pace. Most stress tests take between 15 and 30 minutes, though your total appointment time may run longer with preparation and recovery.
What Happens After the Test?
Our medical team will ask you to stand still for a few moments or lie down while they monitor your heart’s recovery. Most patients can return to their normal routine right away, though we’ll let you know if we recommend anything different based on your results. Dr. Walia will review your results and discuss next steps with you, which may include additional imaging or a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Let Us Help You Protect Your Heart’s Health
Early detection can make all the difference when it comes to coronary artery disease, and a stress test can give us the information we need to act quickly. Dr. Ameeta Walia and the entire team at Cardiovascular Wellness Specialty Care, P.C., have earned a reputation across Long Island for thorough, compassionate cardiac care. Reach out to us now to arrange your stress test or ask any questions about your heart health.
Posted in: Stress Tests
