Pulmonary Stress Test

Respacare

Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine Specialists located in Bridgewater, NJ

Making your lungs work harder may help diagnose the root cause of your breathing problem. Respacare in Bridgewater, New Jersey, is a full-service pulmonary practice that performs pulmonary stress tests to assess lung health and function during exercise. To find out more about the pulmonary stress test and how it can get you the answers you need, call the office or schedule a consultation using the online booking tool today.

732-356-9950

Pulmonary Stress Test Q & A

What is a pulmonary stress test?

A pulmonary stress test measures how much air moves in and out of your lungs when you exercise. It also evaluates heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.

Respacare may recommend a pulmonary stress test to assess your general cardio-pulmonary health. The physicians also perform the test to determine how well your body responds to exercise and the level of exercise that’s safest for you.

You may benefit from a pulmonary stress test if you’re starting pulmonary rehab or you’re feeling short of breath during your workout. The pulmonary stress test may also benefit athletes or active individuals who want to improve their athletic performance.

How do I prepare for a pulmonary stress test?

Your provider at Respacare gives you specific instructions on how to prepare for your pulmonary stress test. They may include not eating or drinking for a set period of time before the test. Your provider may also ask you to modify your medication schedule.

Respacare requests you do not exercise before the test and you wear comfortable clothing to your appointment.

You may also want to avoid rich foods, alcohol, and caffeine up to 12 hours before your pulmonary stress test because they may affect exercise ability and your results.

What happens during a pulmonary stress test?

During the pulmonary stress test, your provider at Respacare has you exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while they monitor and assess lung function, heart rate, blood pressure, and blood oxygen levels.

Your provider places electrodes on your chest to measure your heart’s electrical activity during the test and a blood pressure cuff on your arm. You wear a face mask that covers your mouth and nose and a pulse oximeter on your finger, which measures blood oxygen levels.

You then start your exercise. The exercise portion of your test may take 10-15 minutes or as long as you can tolerate the physical exertion.

Your provider may take a sample of blood when you finish exercising.

What happens after a pulmonary stress test?

You can resume your usual activities following your pulmonary stress test. Your provider at Respacare reviews the results of your testing and schedules a follow-up appointment to discuss the findings and develop a treatment plan.

To find out more about the pulmonary stress test at Respacare, call the office or schedule an appointment online today.

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