Cardiac Stress Test
A stress test shows how your heart responds when it has to work harder. At Epic Heart Care, our cardiologists run the test, explain the results, and help you plan your next step.
Why a stress test can reveal what a resting exam can’t
Many heart problems stay hidden while you are at rest. Narrowed arteries, for example, may supply enough blood when you are sitting in an exam room, but fall short when your heart rate climbs. A cardiac stress test raises the demand on your heart in a safe, controlled setting, while we monitor your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms in real time.
Your cardiologist may recommend a stress test if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, or palpitations. It is also used to check how well treatment is working, to assess risk before surgery, or to guide a safe exercise plan after a heart event. The test is non-invasive, and our team will walk you through every step so you know what to expect.
Stress testing options at Epic Heart Care
Not every patient needs the same test. Your cardiologist will choose the approach that fits your symptoms, health history, and ability to exercise.
Treadmill exercise stress test
You walk on a treadmill while the speed and incline gradually increase. An ECG tracks your heart’s electrical activity throughout.
Stress echocardiogram
Ultrasound images of your heart are taken before and right after exercise to show how well the heart muscle moves and pumps.
Nuclear stress test
A small amount of tracer is used to create images of blood flow to the heart at rest and under stress, highlighting areas that may not get enough.
Pharmacological stress test
If you can’t exercise, medication is given to make your heart respond as it would during activity, so we can still evaluate it safely.
Cardiopulmonary exercise test
Measures how your heart and lungs work together during exercise. Useful for unexplained breathlessness or reduced exercise capacity.
Pre-procedure risk assessment
Testing before surgery or a new exercise program helps your care team understand your heart’s readiness and lower your risk.