Failing this heart test may save your life

Life can be hectic, so a cardiac stress test may sound like something you’d rather avoid. But if your doctor recommends one, it’s worth taking seriously. This simple exam can detect heart problems early – sometimes before any symptoms appear – helping identify issues that could have serious consequences if left untreated.

What is a cardiac stress test?

A stress test evaluates how well your heart functions when it’s working harder than it does at rest.

“Stress tests help providers evaluate how the heart performs during periods of increased demand, similar to what occurs during physical activity,” says Dr. Shahabuddin Mohammad, a cardiologist at Advocate Health Care Heart Institute.

He also explains that stress tests can help determine whether symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath are heart-related or if they’re stemming from another part of the body.

The American Heart Association notes that they’re also used to diagnose coronary artery disease, determine a safe level of exercise and help predict whether you’re at risk of heart attack.

How stress tests work

During the test, you’ll typically walk on a treadmill that gradually increases in intensity and speed to safely raise your heart rate. As you exercise, a technician closely monitors your heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and overall response using an electrocardiogram (EKG). They’ll also track any symptoms you experience during the test, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness.

If you’re unable to walk on a treadmill, a chemical stress test may be performed. This test uses an injected medication to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart without the actual physical stress of walking.

What does a failed test mean?

If the results of your stress test are abnormal, this can indicate a “failed” test. Abnormal results differ, but common abnormal results include:

• Reduced blood flow to the heart
• Irregular heart rhythms
• Abnormal changes during the EKG
• Symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath during the test

“An abnormal or failed stress test may suggest the presence of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, which can reduce blood flow to the heart and increase the risk of a future heart attack or cardiac event,” Dr. Mohammad says. “In some cases, it may also indicate that the heart could struggle to tolerate higher levels of physical stress in everyday life.”

What happens next

If a stress test reveals concerning findings, a provider may recommend additional testing, such as a coronary angiogram. This minimally invasive test allows doctors to visualize any significant blockages in the coronary arteries.

Dr. Mohammad emphasizes that a stress test can be a lifesaving diagnostic tool, giving providers the opportunity to fix the problem before a serious cardiac event occurs. He also encourages people to establish care with a provider to discuss preventive testing before symptoms appear.

Want to learn more about your risk for heart disease? Take a free online quiz.