| Do you have a cardiac stress test scheduled? If | | | | levels of intensity in the exercise increases. |
| so, you may have some questions about how to | | | | Men will need to tell their doctor and or technician |
| properly prepare for the test. Don't worry! The | | | | whether or not they have taken any medications |
| preparations are simple. You don't need to do | | | | to combat erectile dysfunction in the last twenty |
| much... The preparation for a cardiac stress test is | | | | four hours. The reason for this is because if you |
| fairly simple and straight forward (there's no | | | | experience any chest pain during testing and |
| studying required, the most important thing is that | | | | nitroglycerin needs to be given the combination of |
| you show up on time). | | | | medications such as Viagra and nitroglycerin can |
| There are a few additional things you need to | | | | be dangerous if not deadly. |
| consider before your cardiac stress test. First, | | | | You should be able to drive yourself to and from |
| you will need to avoid any stimulant for at least | | | | your cardiac stress test. Depending on the type |
| three hours prior to testing. Stimulants include | | | | of cardiac stress test you have done will |
| caffeine which can be found in chocolate, tea, | | | | determine the amount of time the test will take. |
| soda and coffee. There are also some pain | | | | Treadmill stress tests can last about 45 minutes |
| relievers that contain caffeine and those need to | | | | start to finish, stress echocardiograms can last a |
| be avoided as well. Alcohol is another stimulant | | | | little over an hour and nuclear stress test last |
| that you need to avoid for at least three hours | | | | about 4 hours. |
| prior to testing. | | | | If you are diabetic you will want to have a snack |
| You will want to continue all medications unless | | | | before your testing, especially if you are going to |
| your doctor has instructed you otherwise. In | | | | have the nuclear stress test done. Eating a light |
| most cases if you take a prescription medication | | | | meal the morning of your test is acceptable, |
| that is used to control the heart rate your doctor | | | | making sure that you are not eating a heavy |
| may have you hold this medication for 24 hours | | | | meal which could lead to nausea and vomiting due |
| prior to testing. The reason for this is that part of | | | | to the full stomach and exercise. |
| the cardiac stress test is to increase your heart | | | | It is always advisable that you take with you a |
| rate to your target rate and keep you there to | | | | complete list of all medications, the dosage that |
| monitor the activity of your heart. | | | | you take and how often you take them. If you |
| Make sure that you go to the appointment in | | | | have any questions that have not been answered |
| comfortable clothes. Clothing that is breathable, | | | | yet, make sure to take those questions with you |
| easy for you to move in and comfortable. Make | | | | to the test and the nurse, doctor or technician will |
| sure that you are wearing comfortable shoes that | | | | be able to answer them for you. |
| will be able to walk and possibly jog in as the | | | | |