Nervous about your upcoming stress test? There is no reason to be! This simple procedure is to check how well your heart is functioning and whether your medications are working. Let’s walk you through this process and discuss details about it.
When and Why Is A Stress Test Performed?
Your heart is the powerhouse that supplies oxygenated blood to your body so that it functions well. Your doctor may recommend getting a stress test done for the following reasons:
- To Detect a Coronary Artery Disease
The coronary arteries deliver oxygen and nutrients to your heart. Under some circumstances, they get blocked due to cholesterol or other substance accumulation. A stress test helps identify these roadblocks. - Heart Rhythm Issues Diagnosis
If your doctor figures that your heart is beating either too fast or too slow, the condition is known as arrhythmia. A stress test analyzes if your heart is in sync or not. - To Check Whether the Treatment Is Working or Not
If you are on a heart treatment plan, the stress test helps your healthcare experts determine if it produces optimal results.
Stress Test Results by Age
Age is not merely a number; it is a significant marker of heart health. Let’s break down how a stress test result shows up across different age groups:
The Bruce Protocol
If you go for a stress test on a treadmill, your doctor, with each passing minute, will increase the speed and incline; this is known as The Bruce Protocol, a common method for stress tests. It starts off gently and gradually intensifies.
- Initially, the pace is comfortable at 1.7 miles per hour with a 10% incline.
- After every 3-minute mark, the intensity is increased as the speed and incline increase.
- The goal is to get your heart pumping and observe its response.
Heart Rate on a Stress Test According To Your Age
Your age will set the target for your heart rate. Usually, doctors aim to reach 85% of your maximum heart rate. So, what’s the math behind it? Simply subtract your age from 220.
Heart Rate Guide
Here is a brief breakdown of the numbers:
- 20 years old – maximum heart rate is 200, while your target heart rate is 170.
- 30 years old – your maximum heart rate is 190, target set is 162.
- At 40, your heart can go up to 180, with a target of 153.
- 50 years old – your maximum is 170, and your goal is 145.
- 60 – Maximum heart rate is 160, and your target is 136.
- 70 years old – maximum heart rate is 150, and your goal is 128.
Closing Note
Here at Northwest Heart Centre, we have our team of experts ready to take care of all your heart needs. We are located at 13406 Medical Complex Drive, STE #110, Tomball, TX 77375. Connect with us via (281) 351-6250 to schedule an appointment.