Stress Test Specialist

Stress Test services offered in Midtown East Manhattan, New York, NY

If you’re having problems exercising like you once did or are just interested in knowing what shape your heart is in, you might consider a stress test. David Bolon, MD, of Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular in Midtown Manhattan, uses cardiac stress testing to gauge your heart’s ability to function at peak performance when you need it. He can also use the results to create an individualized treatment strategy that promotes heart-healthy living. Schedule an evaluation today. Call his New York City office or request an appointment online.

What is a stress test?

A cardiac stress test is a standard diagnostic study that cardiologists use to gauge your heart’s function under stress, namely when exercising.

Why would I need a stress test?

Your cardiologist may recommend a stress test to determine:

How well your heart pumps blood to the rest of your body
Evaluate whether your heart is receiving adequate blood from your arteries
If you’re able to exercise at an appropriate level for your age
Whether previous treatments such as angioplasty and stenting are adequate
If your shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue are cardiac-related
Whether you’re healthy enough to undergo non-cardiac surgery
If you can participate in a vigorous exercise program
Whether a comorbid condition such as diabetes is affecting your heart health

You may also require a stress test if you’ve had a heart attack and plan to enter cardiac rehabilitation that includes routine exercise (most do) as part of your program.

What happens during a stress test?

There are different stress tests available that provide varying degrees of information about your heart function. Your Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular specialist chooses the one that best fits your needs and discusses details before scheduling the procedure.

Generally, however, during a basic exercise stress test, you walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike to get your heart working.

Electrodes affixed to your chest and attached to a nearby console monitor your heart’s electrical activity and heart rate. Your provider also monitors your blood pressure, respiratory rate, and other pertinent factors during the study.

You continue exercising as long as you can or, ideally, until you’ve reached your maximum heart rate, which your provider calculates before you start the stress test.

All stress tests capture these same basics but may include painless imaging studies such as an echocardiogram to better evaluate your heart function. A nuclear stress test includes advanced cardiac imaging that captures very detailed information about your heart function before and after exercise.

If you can’t exercise due to illness or deconditioning, you may receive medication that makes your heart pump as it would if you were exercising.

For outstanding cardiac care designed to meet your needs, schedule an evaluation at Manhattan Integrative Cardiovascular today. Call the office or request an appointment online.