April is Stress Awareness Month, a critical period for highlighting the various ways stress impacts our health and well-being, particularly our heart health. One effective way to manage and mitigate stress-related risks is through a stress echocardiogram and stress test. These are vital tools that help assess the resilience of your heart under stress and can play a significant role in preventing heart-related issues.
A stress echocardiogram, often called a stress echo, combines an echocardiogram with a stress test. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart that provides images showing the heart’s structure and function. When paired with a stress test, where you’re asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike, it helps determine how well your heart functions when it’s required to work harder.
This combination is invaluable for diagnosing various types of heart problems. For instance, if symptoms like chest pain or breathlessness occur only during physical activity, a stress echo might reveal whether these symptoms are due to heart disease. It can also show areas of the heart that are not receiving adequate blood flow, helping to detect conditions such as coronary artery disease before they become severe.
Similarly, a general stress test, often conducted using an EKG, measures the heart’s electrical activity under stress. It is not only used to detect heart conditions but also to help develop a safe exercise plan, which can be crucial for individuals with existing heart health issues.
During Stress Awareness Month, taking proactive steps like scheduling a stress echo or a general stress test can be a smart move. These tests provide essential insights into how effectively your heart handles increased demands, which can be crucial for formulating strategies to improve heart health. By understanding and managing your heart’s health, you can significantly reduce your stress levels, leading to a healthier, more active lifestyle.
Our board-certified internist/primary care physician, Dr. John Abroon, is happy to help patients achieve their best health. Please call 212-288-0900 with your health concerns or to schedule an ECG in New York, New York. Your heart will thank you!