Stress testing is a helpful method for detecting existing cardiac issues and determining if your heart is fit enough for activity. As you engage in the test, your body works harder, increasing your need for oxygen, which makes your heart pump more blood. Stress testing Covington reveals that the arteries that feed the heart with blood and oxygen have less blood flow.
A cardiac stress test is non-invasive and safe. Here are tips to prepare for the procedure;
- Know which medication to take and avoid
A cardiac stress test procedure examines your heart under pressure. Because certain medications are intended to slow down your heart rate significantly, you should be aware of which ones to avoid taking.
You should contact your cardiologist for advice on which medications to avoid. Your doctor may advise against using certain cardiac medicines for 24 hours. These include Beta-blockers like metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, and carvedilol.
Heart issues and excessive blood pressure are treated with beta-blockers. They function by suppressing adrenaline. They reduce blood pressure by making your heart pulse more gradually and gently. Also, avoid Isosorbide mononitrate, Nitroglycerin, and Isosorbide dinitrate.
- Skip a meal
You must fast for at least three to four hours before a cardiac stress test. Doctors advise this since exercising while you are not full is easier. Eating also affects MRI results because it requires extra blood flow to the stomach. Due to eating before the test, some individuals may also feel queasy.
- Avoid caffeine
Avoid drinking coffee and other caffeinated beverages in the morning. Caffeine affects how well the heart stress test works. Avoid all items containing caffeine for at least 24 hours before your test. These include teas, colas, coffee, sodas, energy drinks, and chocolate. You must inspect your beverages to ensure they don’t contain caffeine. Additionally, because they have a trace quantity of caffeine, you should abstain from any items marked as decaffeinated or caffeine-free for 24 hours.
- Manage your diabetes
If you have diabetes, the doctor will provide helpful instructions on preparing for this test. Ask your doctor how much insulin regulates blood sugar you should take before the test and whether you may have a light lunch. Additionally, if you take medicine for your blood sugar, the doctor could advise you to wait to take it until the test is finished.
- Do light exercises beforehand
While frequenting the gym is not required, you should, at the very least, engage in physical activity to stay in shape. You may partake in physical activities like jogging, walking, dancing, and running. Being active has several positive effects on one’s health.
- Wear loose clothes
Pick comfortable footwear and loose-fitting clothing. Avoid wearing materials like nylon, which prevents you from breathing, or clothing composed of plastic and rubber. As a result, your body temperature rises throughout the exam because perspiration cannot evaporate. Dress comfortably and loosely so that you have freedom of movement.
To prevent blisters, you should also wear comfy shoes. Because you’ll be jogging on a treadmill, your heels will be under greater strain than your toes. This indicates that you need footwear with more heel cushioning.
Call Louisiana Heart and Vascular Institute to book your appointment for stress testing.
