You may have heard of a stress test but maybe aren't sure how it works, what it measures, or if you need one. The stress test measures how well your heart handles working harder than usual.
A stress test is usually conducted in a hospital or specialized clinic and can take several hours of your time. If your doctor suggests you have a stress test done, make appropriate arrangements to ensure you are well rested and you have the time to devote to the test.
After the test, your doctor will discuss the results. Be sure you understand what the results mean and don't be shy to ask your doctor to repeat an answer or ask more questions. You might want to jot down what the results are for further reference.
If you're concerned about some symptoms you're experiencing, talk to your doctor about whether a stress test is right for you.