Know Your Heart’s Limits: The Importance of a Stress Test
Not long ago, it was common for middle-aged men to undergo a cardiac stress test as part of their annual physical exam. This test plays a crucial role in detecting or diagnosing issues like chest pain. It is particularly valuable for older individuals, who are at a higher risk of heart disease. A cardiac stress test evaluates how well the heart performs during physical activity. It’s a dependable way to assess overall heart health. While the heart works minimally when a person is at rest, activities like swimming or running significantly increase its workload, revealing how effectively it can handle stress.