What happens during a stress test?There are three main types of stress tests: exercise stress tests, nuclear stress tests, and stress echocardiograms. All types of stress tests may be done in a health care provider's office, outpatient clinic, or hospital.During an exercise stress test:A health care provider will place several electrodes (small sensors that stick to the skin) on your arms, legs, and chest. The provider may need to shave excess hair before placing the electrodes.The electrodes are attached by wires to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, which records your heart's electrical activity.You will then walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle, starting slowly.Then, you'll walk or pedal faster, with the incline and resistance increasing as you go.You'll continue walking or riding until you reach a target heart rate set by your provider. You may need to stop sooner if you develop symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue. The test may also be stopped if the EKG shows a problem with your heart.After the test, you'll be monitored for 10–15 minutes or until your heart rate returns to normal.Both nuclear stress tests and stress echocardiograms are imaging tests. That means that pictures will be taken of your heart during testing.During a nuclear stress test:You will lie down on an exam table.A health care provider will insert an intravenous (IV) line into your arm. The IV contains a radioactive dye. The dye makes it possible for the health care provider to view images of your heart. It takes between 15–40 minutes for the heart to absorb the dye.A special camera will scan your heart to create the images, which show your heart at rest.The rest of the test is just like an exercise stress test. You'll be hooked up to an EKG machine, then walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle.If you are not healthy enough to exercise, you'll get a medicine that makes your heart beat faster and harder.When your heart is working at its hardest, you'll get another injection of the radioactive dye.You'll wait for about 15-40 minutes for your heart to absorb the dye.You'll resume exercising and the special camera will take more pictures of your heart.Your provider will compare the two sets of images: one of your heart at rest; the other while hard at work.After the test, you'll be monitored for 10-15 minutes or until your heart rate returns to normal.The radioactive dye will naturally leave your body through your urine. Drinking lots of water will help remove it faster.During a stress echocardiogram:You will lie on an exam table.The provider will rub a special gel on a wand-like device called a transducer. He or she will hold the transducer against your chest.This device makes sound waves, which create moving pictures of your heart.After these images are taken, you will exercise on treadmill or bicycle, as in the other types of stress tests.If you are not healthy enough to exercise, you'll get a medicine that makes your heart beat faster and harder.More images will be taken when your heart rate is increasing or when it's working at its hardest.Your provider will compare the two sets of images; one of your heart at rest; the other while hard at work.After the test, you'll be monitored for 10–15 minutes or until your heart rate returns to normal.
