To find out what’s causing your chest pain or shortness of breath, you may need stress testing. The noninvasive diagnostic test evaluates how well your heart works when it’s pumping hard. Maryland Cardiology Associates in Greenbelt, Maryland, is a state-of-the-art facility that uses advanced technology for stress testing. Call the office or book an appointment online today to schedule a consultation with a skilled cardiologist.

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What is stress testing?

Stress testing, also known as the exercise stress test or treadmill test, is a diagnostic procedure that evaluates how your heart responds to exertion.

During a stress test, your cardiologist at Maryland Cardiology Associates uses an electrocardiogram to measure the electrical signals in your heart while you exercise on a treadmill or a stationary bike.

Making your heart pump harder through exercise helps your provider identify blood flow problems in your heart that may not be present when your heart is pumping at its normal rate.

Why would I need stress testing?

When you visit Maryland Cardiology Associates for cardiac care, you receive a comprehensive cardiac exam to identify potential heart or circulatory problems.

Maryland Cardiology Associates performs stress testing if you have symptoms that indicate a potential heart problem, such as:

  • Chest pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • High blood pressure
  • Leg swelling
  • Leg pain
  • Tingling in the toes

The practice also recommends stress testing if your in-office electrocardiogram (EKG) results are negative or inconclusive.

Stress testing helps diagnose coronary artery disease and arrhythmias. Additionally, Maryland Cardiology Associates conducts this diagnostic test on patients diagnosed with these heart problems to assess the effectiveness of their treatment plan.

What happens during stress testing?

Maryland Cardiology Associates performs stress testing at the office. The test takes about an hour.

Your cardiologist reviews your medical history, your usual exercise routine, and measures your blood pressure and heart rate. They attach electrodes to your chest and a blood pressure cuff around your arm

You then start exercising. Your provider gradually increases the intensity of your workout until your heart reaches the target rate or you start to experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or chest pain.

For patients who can’t exercise, Maryland Cardiology Associates can talk to you about chemical stress testing, which uses medication to increase your heart rate.

What happens after stress testing?

After stress testing, you sit or lie down while your provider continues to gather cardiac information as your heart rate returns to its normal rate. Your provider reviews the results with you and their recommendations.

You can resume your usual activities after stress testing unless advised otherwise.

For comprehensive cardiac care that includes stress tests, call Maryland Cardiology Associates, or book an appointment online today.