Cardiac Stress Test

Cardiac Stress Test services offered in Santa Monica, CA

A cardiac stress test safely evaluates how your heart performs during high-intensity conditions to detect hidden heart problems, guide treatment plans, and keep you safe during exercise. Visit Jenica L. Ortega, MD, at Commons Clinic in Santa Monica, California, for safe cardiac stress testing and personalized care. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ortega, call the office or book online via our website today.

Cardiac Stress Test Q & A

What is the purpose of a cardiac stress test?

A cardiac stress test is also sometimes identified as an exercise stress test or treadmill test. It evaluates how well your heart functions when it’s working harder than usual.

When you exercise, your heart must pump more blood and oxygen to meet increased demands. A stress test helps Dr. Ortega see how your heart responds to this extra workload.

How can a cardiac stress test benefit me?

A cardiac stress test provides valuable information that can:

Assess heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias)
Help diagnose heart disease early
Assess chest pain or shortness of breath
Evaluate recovery after a cardiac event
Support safe exercise planning

By investigating how your heart functions under stress, Dr. Ortega can make more informed and personalized recommendations for you.

What happens during a cardiac stress test?

Before your test, avoid drinking caffeine and smoking for 24 hours. You may need to avoid food for a few hours leading up to your test, and wear comfortable clothes and shoes.

Test preparation

Dr. Ortega takes your vitals while you’re at rest to establish a baseline. If you can’t exercise, she may perform a pharmacologic stress test instead.

She places electrodes on your chest, arms, and legs to record your heart’s electrical activity using an electrocardiogram (ECG/EKG). She also monitors your blood pressure.

Exercise stress test

You begin your test by walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike. At regular intervals, Dr. Ortega increases the intensity by speeding up or adding incline to make the heart work harder.

Your target heart rate depends on your fitness level and age. The test continues until you reach a target heart rate and maintain it long enough to capture heart function readings, which typically takes 10–15 minutes. Dr. Ortega can also stop the test at any time for safety.

Recovery and results

After your test, Dr. Ortega monitors you as you cool down and your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.

She reviews data for changes that might suggest reduced blood flow to the heart muscle. If there are signs of heart disease, she may recommend lifestyle changes and can also help you manage chronic conditions.

A cardiac stress test helps Dr. Ortega evaluate your heart function. To learn more about cardiac stress tests and schedule your consultation, book online or call the office today.