Cardiovascular disease is the number one cause of mortality in the United States. Sometimes it can be present without symptoms. However, with early diagnosis it can be prevented . Cardiac stress testing assesses how the heart performs under exercise induced stress. It is one of the best preventative tools doctors have to test heart health and is a must for people with multiple risk factors.
Risk factors include patients with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obesity, family history of cardiovascular disease, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and age (men over 55, women over 65).
Dr. Zurinaga will refer patients to a cardiologist for the test. The test basically consists of a brief exercise where heart performance will be measured through EKG, blood pressure monitoring and physiological testing.
The total amount of time to complete the test is about 45- 60 minutes and you will know your results before leaving the office.