At Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida, we offer the latest and most advanced cardiovascular testing to accurately assess and diagnose any abnormalities that could potentially lead to heart disease. Our stress testing technology is one method we commonly utilize to measure and evaluate the overall functionality of the heart.
Contact Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida today at our location in Fort Myers to schedule a consultation and find out how our safe, comfortable stress testing can help us potentially prevent the onset of heart disease.
What Causes Heart Disease?
The heart is the hardest-working muscle in your body and is comprised of a system of valves, chambers, vessels and natural electrical pulses that all work together to pump oxygen-rich blood throughout the body. Irregularities in the functionality of the heart can lead to heart disease and a gradual breakdown of this system, which can be fatal if left untreated.
Heart disease can be caused by several factors, such as lack of exercise, unhealthy diet and obesity, and smoking. Advanced diagnostic testing such as stress testing can help our medical team determine how to improve or maintain your cardiovascular health.
What is Stress Testing?
Stress testing was developed to determine the amount of stress your heart can handle before blood flow or the natural cardiac rhythm are disrupted. Most stress testing is exercise-induced and tells our medical team how your heart responds to exertion, but there are different types of stress testing available for individuals who are unable to exercise. At Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida, we also offer other forms of testing such as electrocardiograms and nuclear imaging to give us the best possible assessment of your cardiac function.
Stress testing can help our team evaluate and diagnose your individual condition in multiple ways, such as:
- Determining if there is enough blood flow to your heart during exercise
- Helping us create an exercise regimen that is appropriate for your physical level
- Assessing the functionality of the heart valves
- Evaluating your risk for developing heart disease and other cardiovascular conditions
- Checking for abnormal heart rhythms
- Assessing the effectiveness of past procedures to improve cardiovascular health
What Can I Expect During Stress Testing?
Prior to your test, our medical team will advise you on what to wear and how to prepare for the evaluation. Small electrodes will be attached in strategic places around your body in order to monitor your heart during testing, but this process is usually painless and well-tolerated by most patients.
Our medical team will closely monitor you during the test for increased safety and accuracy. After the stress testing is over, we will go over your results with you and create a treatment plan where one is necessary.
Contact Cardiology Consultants of Southwest Florida today to schedule a consultation and find out if you are a candidate for stress testing.
