A resting EKG captures your heart's electrical activity while you are sitting still. But many cardiac problems only reveal themselves when the heart is working harder. A cardiac stress test evaluates how your heart responds to physical exertion, exposing issues with blood flow, rhythm, and function that would otherwise go undetected. At Heart Health of the South Shore, Dr. David Hersh performs cardiac stress tests to help patients across Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, and the surrounding South Shore communities get a clearer picture of their cardiovascular health.
We may recommend a cardiac stress test to evaluate chest pain or shortness of breath during activity, assess your heart after a diagnosis of coronary artery disease, determine how well current heart medications or treatments are working, diagnose and manage congestive heart failure, evaluate heart function following a heart attack or cardiac procedure, identify exercise-induced arrhythmias, or establish a safe level of physical activity for patients with known heart disease.
A stress test is also a valuable tool in preventive cardiology. For patients with risk factors like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a strong family history of heart disease, a stress test can reveal early signs of reduced blood flow before symptoms ever appear.
During the test, you will walk on a treadmill while the speed and incline gradually increase. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and EKG are continuously monitored throughout the exercise.
Some stress tests also incorporate echocardiograms (ultrasounds of the heart) or injectable dyes to obtain more detailed images of how the heart functions and how blood flows around and through the heart during exertion.
For patients who are unable to perform the exercise portion due to physical limitations, a pharmacological stress test may be used instead. Medication is administered through an IV to simulate the effects of exercise on the heart while the same monitoring takes place.
Before your test, our team will provide instructions regarding food intake, medications, and what to wear. Comfortable shoes and loose-fitting clothing are recommended.
The value of a stress test depends on who is reading the results. Dr. David Hersh is a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology with board certifications in cardiovascular disease, nuclear cardiology, and echocardiography. Your results are interpreted by a cardiologist and integrated into your overall cardiac care plan.
With hospital privileges at Lenox Hill, St. Francis, and South Nassau, Heart Health of the South Shore can coordinate further testing or intervention if your stress test reveals a concern that requires additional evaluation.
Yes. Stress tests are performed under continuous medical supervision with constant monitoring of your heart rate, blood pressure, and EKG. The test is stopped immediately if any concerning changes occur. Serious complications are rare.
Some insurance plans require a referral to see a cardiologist, while others do not. Call our office at (516) 261-2146, and our team will verify your coverage and let you know if a referral is needed before your appointment.
Yes. Heart Health of the South Shore welcomes new patients for cardiac stress testing and comprehensive heart evaluations. Call (516) 218-2510 or book online to schedule your appointment. We serve patients in Bellmore, Merrick, Wantagh, Seaford, Freeport, Massapequa, and the surrounding South Shore communities.