Is a Cardiac Stress Test Right for You? Family History and PET Scan Insights

Who Needs a Cardiac Stress Test?

Heart health is essential, no matter your age. In fact, understanding the state of your cardiovascular system can be the difference between catching a potential issue early or facing serious consequences down the line. Diagnostic tools like PET scans and cardiac stress tests are instrumental in learning more about your cardiac health needs. At Cardiovascular Specialists of New England, we recommend these tools for any number of reasons, and our New Hampshire patients see a wide range of benefits of cardiac stress tests for heart health. Here’s what you need to know about PET scans and who needs a cardiac stress test.

What Is a Cardiac Stress Test?

A cardiac stress test is meant to evaluate the heart’s performance under stress. The idea is straightforward—when you understand how your heart handles increased activity, you can gain insight into overall heart health. There are several types of cardiac stress tests, each delivering unique insights:

• Exercise Stress Test—Often performed on a treadmill or stationary bike, this test monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing while you exercise.
• Chemical Stress Test—For those unable to exercise, chemical stress tests use medication to speed up your heart rate and simulate physical activity.
• Nuclear Stress Test—This specialized form of stress test uses a small amount of radioactive material to highlight blood flow to your heart during both rest and exercise.
• PET Stress Test—PET stress tests are an advanced nuclear imaging method that provides highly accurate pictures. They are crucial in identifying blockages and assessing cardiac function.

Do You Need a Stress Test? What to Watch for

While stress tests are extremely useful, they’re not a blanket recommendation for everyone. Here’s what we consider when giving stress tests:

Symptoms of Heart Issues

If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or heart palpitations, have a conversation with one of our providers. These could be signs of underlying heart conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD).

Family History

Does heart disease run in your family? If your parents, siblings, or grandparents have a history of cardiovascular issues, you could be at increased risk. Even if you’re symptom-free, a stress test for family heart disease risks is a proactive step to catch potential problems.

Lifestyle Factors

Low levels of physical activity, an unhealthy diet, chronic stress, or habits like smoking and excessive drinking can put added strain on your heart. If you have any of these lifestyle factors, a cardiac stress test could identify underlying damage to the cardiovascular system.

Pre-Existing Health Conditions

Certain medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol, make you more prone to heart disease. Getting a stress test in these cases can provide early insights into potential issues.

Routine Monitoring for High-Risk Individuals

If you’ve already received treatment for a heart condition, like surgery or stent placement, stress tests may be part of routine monitoring to ensure your heart is still functioning properly.

In-Office PET Scans for Cardiac Testing

PET scans are another way to take a look at a patient’s cardiovascular health. These tests have advanced imaging capabilities and produce an accurate view of your current condition. Essentially, a PET stress test creates detailed, 3D images of your heart by following a small amount of radioactive material injected into your bloodstream. Like other stress tests, this imaging is performed while your heart is “stressed,” either through exercise or medication. We might recommend a PET in the following circumstances:

• You have an inconclusive standard stress test result.
• You’re at heightened risk of coronary artery disease.
• You’re seeking a highly accurate method to evaluate heart function.

Advantages of PET Scans

Standard cardiac stress tests and PET scans are both beneficial, but there are some scenarios where a PET scan is the best option. When you consult with one of our providers, we’ll evaluate your health and recommend the right test for you. Get to know the advantages of PET scans:

• Greater Accuracy—PET scans are known to be more reliable than traditional exercise stress tests, especially in detecting conditions with fewer obvious symptoms.
• Early Detection—This test can identify minor blockages and blood flow issues before more serious symptoms develop, allowing for timely intervention.
• Risk Assessment—Traditional stress tests help evaluate your risk, but PET scans are even better at giving insight into potential future heart conditions.
• Personalized Treatments—Precise imaging helps us develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.

Preparing for a Cardiac Stress Test

If you and your doctor decide that a stress test or PET scan is right for you, preparation is key to getting the clearest results. Whether we’re scheduling a cardiac stress test for younger demographics or a standard PET scan, we recommend the following preparation steps:

• Follow Dietary Guidelines—Depending on the specifics of your condition, we may ask you to avoid food, caffeine, and alcohol for a certain time before your appointment.
• Wear Comfortable Clothing—On the day of your appointment, opt for workout clothes and sneakers, especially for exercise tests.
• Bring a List of Medications—Some medications may need to be stopped temporarily under your doctor’s recommendation. Always be upfront about which medications you’re currently taking.
• Share Any Concerns—Mention any symptoms you’ve experienced recently or ongoing health issues. We’re always here to address your concerns and answer questions about cardiovascular health.

Find Out If a Cardiac Stress Test Could Benefit You

If you think a cardiac stress test might be the right step for you, speak with Cardiovascular Specialists of New England about your symptoms and concerns. From there, we’ll recommend the best diagnostic method, whether that is a traditional exercise stress test or a PET scan. Our team is dedicated to helping New Hampshire residents improve their heart health and maintain a high quality of life for years to come. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.