You might think that you are fine the way you are, without a stress test. However, there could be something wrong with your blood pressure, or your cholesterol levels. You might have an illness or condition that could be causing the problem. Your doctor might even recommend a stress test to make sure that you are not at risk for heart disease or some other serious health problem. Here are some things to know about when it comes to the testing that is done.
First, you need to understand that you should not have a stress test done very often. It should only be done when you have certain symptoms that might indicate something else. For instance, if you have chest pain, you should make sure that you do not have a stress test to see if it is chest pain caused by something serious.
Also, you should not have a stress test done if you are going to have a C-section or if you are pregnant. Your doctor will tell you why these tests are not necessary. You will also find that having a stress test done before you go to the doctor can help you relax and feel better about the situation. This is especially true if you feel that you are suffering from high anxiety.
When you are ready to find out whether you should have a stress test, you will probably ask what they do. You might also wonder when this test is done. Usually, a doctor takes a sample of your blood so that he or she can check for levels of stress hormones like cortisol. In most cases, this test is usually not done unless you are showing symptoms of high stress. However, if you have a high stress level, you may want to consider it anyway. There are a number of things that cause stress, and your doctor should be able to figure out if you are at risk of heart disease or other health problems.
Sometimes, a stress test is called for before you start any new medication. If you are on any kind of blood pressure medication or heart medication, you will not be able to take this test. It is also generally not recommended for people who smoke, as well as people who have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure. You should check with your doctor to make sure that you can take the test before you make any lifestyle changes or take medication.
In some cases, a stress test is called for after your doctor tells you that you are at risk for heart problems. You should definitely get a copy of your transcript and schedule any tests that you need to be sure that you are at no increased risk for heart problems. Sometimes, this includes cholesterol levels. You can usually request all three of these tests from your doctor.
When you go to your doctor to ask about a stress test, he or she can give you a physical exam first. This includes an EKG and a chest x-ray. After that, they will be able to tell you how often you should have these tests. Your heart beat rate, blood pressure, and heart rate monitor may be required, as well as your blood tests, blood chemistry tests, and a urinalysis. If you are at risk for a heart attack, you may be asked to have a cardiac stress test as well.
You should always go into your doctor’s office prepared. You should know what the procedure is so that you feel comfortable going in there. It is very important to tell the truth when it comes to these tests, so don’t lie. Don’t try to avoid the doctor, either. Tell them the exact circumstances that you are experiencing and that you would like to know how often you should have a stress test.