EXERCISE STRESS TESTING
Heart disease is the most common killer of both men and women in the United States. It develops silently over many years until it may cause chest pain (angina) and/or a heart attack. About half of the people who have their first heart attack had no previous symptoms to warn them that there was a problem. An Exercise Stress Test helps your physician determine if you have significant heart disease and are at risk for a heart attack. It is a simple test where you walk on a treadmill while being continuously monitored. The speed and elevation of the treadmill are gradually increased until your physician has adequately evaluated the health of your heart. The Exercise Stress Test is extremely safe and has saved many lives over the years. Individuals with risk factors for heart disease, including diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease, or those middle-aged or older adults planning to start an exercise program are candidates for an Exercise Stress Test. Ask your physician.