Treadmill Stress Test: Know How Well Your Heart Functions
The first thing that you must know about treadmill stress test understands the purpose of it and how does it help one in relation to one's own health. The answer is not hard to find and in essence, such a test is applied in order to establish whether there are any abnormalities in the heart beats and also to establish whether the heart is getting sufficient oxygen and blood. Other benefits to using treadmill stress test include establishing the risk of having coronary artery disease, and also determining whether the heart rhythms are irregular and it also provides indications about the cardiovascular condition of the person undergoing the test.
Know Whether It Is Safe To Begin An Exercise Program
So, the next time you plan on beginning an exercise regime, you should first of all undergo treadmill stress test to be sure that you are not putting your health at risk. During the actual treadmill stress test and when you are physically exerting you, the electrical activity gets recorded and in addition your heart rate as well as heart rhythm is also monitored during the test.
It also involves being connected to an ECG/EKG machine and the blood pressure too is monitored through use of blood pressure cuffs that are attached to the individual's arms. In addition, electrodes are also attached while the test is being performed and even a sensor may be used which is put on the fingers and which provides information about level of oxygen in the individual's blood.
Other important aspects to a treadmill stress test include increasing the speed as also the incline of the treadmill gradually or at certain intervals and there must also be a technician or even a Cardiologist present while undergoing the test and who will monitor the individual during the entire process.
Once the treadmill stress test is performed, the flow of oxygen and blood to the individual's heart is studied in order to establish whether sufficient amounts are reaching the heart or not. As the treadmill stress test is being performed, it is necessary to increase the level of exertion done by the individual to establish the level at which symptoms occur.
There are certainly very few risks to taking a treadmill stress test while the advantages are many and in fact such tests are very similar in amount of exertion performed as would be the case when you run, jog, climb a staircase or do other similar activities. Of course, the test must be performed in the presence of at least a technician or medical staff so that any complications when they arise can be dealt with promptly and effectively.
So, if you wish to find out how well your heart works under different levels of exertion, the treadmill stress test is the proper way of finding out.