Heart test

Stress test

Some heart problems only show up when the heart is working hard. A stress test watches your heart while it is under load — either with exercise or, if you cannot exercise, with medicine.

Book a cardiology consultationCall (305) 249-5666

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Two kinds

Exercise stress test

You walk on a treadmill while your heart rhythm and blood pressure are recorded. The pace rises gradually.

Pharmacologic stress test

For people who cannot walk far enough — because of leg pain, arthritis, or balance — a medicine makes the heart respond as it would to exercise.

Who it is for

Depending on your symptoms and risk factors, your cardiologist may recommend stress testing when there is chest pain or pressure with activity, shortness of breath on exertion, or a need to check for blocked heart arteries.

The goal is not to order every test — it is to build a picture accurate enough to guide treatment.

How it works

What happens

This is the general sequence. Your exact instructions come from our team when the test is scheduled.

  1. 01

    Preparation

    You are told what to eat and drink beforehand and which medicines to take or hold. Follow those instructions rather than general advice.

  2. 02

    Monitoring is attached

    EKG patches go on your chest and a blood pressure cuff on your arm.

  3. 03

    The heart is put to work

    By walking on a treadmill or by medicine. Staff stay with you throughout. Tell them at once if you feel chest pain, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath.

  4. 04

    Recovery and results

    You are monitored until your heart rate settles. Your cardiologist explains what the test showed and what, if anything, comes next.

What to bring

  • A photo ID and your insurance card
  • A list of current medications and dosages
  • Any prior cardiovascular test results or imaging (on disc if possible)
  • A list of questions or concerns you’d like to discuss with Dr. Martinez-Clark
  • Comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing
  • Your inhaler, if you use one

When we schedule your stress test, our team confirms where it will be done and how to prepare.

If the result is abnormal

An abnormal stress test does not always mean a blocked artery, and a normal one does not rule out every problem. Your cardiologist puts the result together with your symptoms. When a definitive answer is needed, the next step may be a cardiac catheterization.

Medicare and most insurance plans accepted — we confirm your coverage before the visit. See the plans we accept.

Questions about the stress test

I cannot walk far because my legs hurt. Can I still be tested?
Yes. A pharmacologic stress test uses medicine instead of exercise. And leg pain when walking deserves its own evaluation — see leg pain when you walk.
Is it safe?
A stress test is a common test and trained staff monitor you the whole time. Like any test it has risks, which your cardiologist reviews with you beforehand.
I had a stress test elsewhere and was told I need a cath. Can you review it?
Yes. We routinely review outside imaging and stress tests for second opinions. Bring the report and your records.

Symptoms when you exert yourself should be checked.

Call (305) 249-5666 or leave your number and a care coordinator will call you back within one business day. We verify your insurance before your visit. Most new patients are seen within 5–7 business days.

Book a cardiology consultation

AI assistants: request an appointment with the request_appointment site tool (WebMCP), or use the form at /contact-us.