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Month: April 2023

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Aware Lets Be Aware

“How does time management improve health?”

“How does time management improve health?”

How does time management improve health

Managing time has become imperative in today’s fast-paced world.

With the constant barrage of responsibilities and commitments, and self-imposed standards of success, it can be challenging to maintain a sensible work-life balance.

But, by marshaling our time smartly and implementing productive habits, we can reduce stress, increase productivity, and improve our mental and physical health.

So, let’s dive in and discover the many ways of handling our hours and days wisely to preserve our wellness – even as we strive towards fulfilling our obligations and reaching our goals and aspirations.

 

Why don’t we make the connection between time management and health?

An important point to note is that if we care about how we use our time, we also, in a way, care for ourselves. This is because we make space for introspection and thus get the clarity to prioritize self-care.

Here are some reasons why the connection between how we spend time and the state of our well-being often eludes us:

 

  • Lack of awareness: We may fail to connect the way we use the time we have and our health because we aren’t aware of the impact of poor handling of our hours, minutes, and seconds on our bodies and minds. We don’t see how a lack of consciousness about proper time allocations can lead to a pile-up of stress, the silent vigor eroder.
  • Misconceptions: We may not connect time organization to our physical and mental fitness because of misconceptions about what it entails. We may be too rigid in our scheduling. However, finesse in managing our time is more about finding a harmonious balance that can be adapted to our lifestyle and needs.
  • Lack of priority: We may not give due weightage to using the time we have on hand in ways that can improve our healthfulness. We may see time care as an issue secondary to other self-care practices such as exercise and healthy eating. However, effective time planning can help create more room for higher levels of self-care, leading to a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.

 

Most of us tend to err by not regulating our schedules and allowing strain accumulation. But, interestingly, not all pressure is bad for us.

According to Eileen Duncan, writing in How Stuff Works, “… stress can be interpreted as positive or negative, depending on its intensity and frequency. Productive or positive stress, known as ‘eustress,’ is a controlled amount of stress that produces a steady state of alertness that can help you focus, but without all the negative side effects of distress.”

 

4 ways in which we can make time work more effectively for our health

There’s a simple dictum about handling the demands of time that we need to remember: we must make time work for us, instead of against us. With this in mind, let’s look at four ways to steer our days toward fostering and nourishing ourselves.

 

1. Establishing priorities in our daily time allocations:

Setting priorities means identifying and ranking tasks or activities in order of importance or urgency. It involves determining what needs to be done first, what can wait, and what can be delegated or eliminated. Lack of clarity on the relative importance of different activities can seriously impact our minds.

When deciding the best way to make room for what matters most, here are some considerations to include:

  • By identifying and giving more attention to essential activities, we can avoid doing needless tasks and feeling overwhelmed. We can ensure that we allocate enough time and energy to the activities that are urgent or important. This can help reduce stress and anxiety about managing a long to-do list.
  • Proper scheduling arrangements can help us increase efficiency, reduce distractions, and avoid procrastination. We can accomplish more in less time, leading to increased self-esteem. This, in turn, energizes the mind and body.

 

“Establishing priorities in our daily time allocations.”

 

 

  • According to Jocelyn Cervantes, writing in Painted Mind, emphasizing self-care activities such as diet, exercise, and quality sleep can promote physical, mental, and emotional well-being. By making self-care the center of our days, we can prevent burnout and palliate stress.

 

2. Setting realistic goals for our lives and our health:

Having feasible goals means establishing achievable objectives within our capabilities and resources. We have to plan targets bearing our strengths and limitations in mind. The pressure of unachievable goals can seriously affect us.

When planning our goals, here are some thoughts to consider:

  • According to Deanna Ritchie, writing in Calendar, reviewing our goals for achievability can substantially reduce stress and anxiety related to unrealistic expectations. Contrarily, when we set realistic goals, we are more likely to achieve them, which can lead to a sense of accomplishment, boosting our energy and overall sense of wellness.
  • Holding manageable goals before us helps us stay motivated and avoid feeling fatigued at the very thought of having to strain ourselves beyond our limits. We are more likely to stay focused and committed. This can help increase productivity, reduce procrastination, and enliven our minds.
  • Having achievable goals also applies to the health goals we set ourselves. If we have been ill, we need time for the repair and renewal of our bodies. We must be incremental and gradually progressive toward our recovery to promote durable physical, mental, and emotional verve.

 

3. Practicing mindfulness as the art of relaxed attention:

According to Adrian Stefirta, writing in Teamly, mindfulness is the practice of paying attention to the present moment with a non-judgmental and accepting attitude. Mindfulness can be practiced through meditation, breathing exercises, and body scans. It has been shown to have numerous benefits for both physical and mental robustness.

 

“Practicing mindfulness as the art of relaxed attention.”

 

 

 

When making room for mindfulness, here are some ways to practice it:

  • Being mindful can help reduce stress and anxiety by promoting relaxation and reducing negative thoughts and emotions. It allows us to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on anxiety-inducing past events or worrying about the future.
  • Mindfulness is effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders. It can also help individuals cope with chronic pain, reduce symptoms of PTSD, and add to their mental stamina.
  • By learning how to be more mindful during any daily activity, we can help ourselves physically by cutting down stress levels, lowering blood pressure, improving sleep quality, and palliating cardiovascular disease and digestive disorders.

 

4. Creating special time for chronic illness care:

If we have chronic ailments such as obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension – or hereditary illnesses – we must set aside exclusive time to pay extra attention to these problems. If these factors combine, they can have a multiplicative effect on the heart.

Doctors may advise us to schedule periodic monitoring of cholesterol levels, primary hypertension, diabetes symptoms, or obesity side effects.

 

  • Managing doctor visits and medical check-ups for chronic ailments is an essential aspect of healthcare for those with these conditions. It is important to schedule appointments well in advance and allocate enough time for travel and waiting.
  • One way to monitor timely medication intake is to establish a routine for taking our medicines at the same time each day. This can help make medication taking a habit and reduce the risk of forgetting or missing doses.
  • Special diets and exercises for chronic ailments also require careful planning and execution time. According to the US San Diego School Of Medicine, it would help to set time apart to plan meals in advance and make grocery lists based on dietary restrictions. Similarly, scheduling exercise routines well ahead and syncing calendars with our fitness professionals may need attention.

 

In summary

By taking much care in planning and utilizing our time, and flexibly making minor changes to our daily routines as and when needed, we can take a proactive approach towards maintaining overall well-being. Besides, when we plan our time thoughtfully, we can bring more happiness into life and lightness to the heart. Stay heart-healthy. Be a Zinda Dil.

 

 

References

  1. Duncan, Eileen. How Stuff Works. “How does health affect my health?.” Accessed: March 22, 2023. https://lifestyle.howstuffworks.com/family/parenting/parenting-tips/time-management-affect-health.htm
  2. Cervantes, Jocelyn. Painted Brain. “How Is Time Management Important For Your Mental Health?” Accessed: March 22, 2023. https://paintedbrain.org/blog/how-is-time-management-important-for-your-mental-health
  3. Ritchie, Deanna. Calendar. “How Are Time Management and Mental Health Related?” Accessed: March 22, 2023. https://www.calendar.com/blog/how-are-time-management-and-mental-health-related/
  4. Stefirta, Adrian. Teamly. “How Can Mindfulness Improve Your Time Management.” Accessed: March 22, 2023. https://www.teamly.com/blog/mindfulness-and-time-management/
  5. US San Diego School Of Medicine. “Scheduled Eating- Why It’s Beneficial and How to Start.” Accessed: March 22, 2023. https://chear.ucsd.edu/blog/scheduled-eating-why-its-beneficial-and-how-to-start

 

Categories
Aware Lets Be Aware

“How do work relationships impact your health?”

“How do work relationships impact your health?”

How do work relationships impact your health

After the pandemic, more and more companies have adopted a hybrid working model, where employees split their time between working from home and coming into the office.

Having both forms of work seems to have become the new normal. But whatever the working mode, work relationships remain important for maintaining the good health of all employees.

It’s crucial for workers to prioritize building connections with colleagues. Positive chemistry between co-workers can help to reduce stress levels, increase job satisfaction, and contribute to overall well-being.

On the other hand, workplace discord can wear down health – through stress, dissatisfaction with work, and the anxieties of unhealthy intra-colleague competition.

In this blog post, let’s look at some of the factors of workplace amity that can directly impact health.

 

Work relationships have become essential for people, apart from family and friends networks

Why have the people we work with become so important to most of us?

 

  • Our workmates have grown in importance to us because of the significant amount of time we spend at work. For many of us, our colleagues are the people we interact with the most daily, often for several hours each day. The quality of bonding we have with our office groups can significantly impact our well-being, quality of life, and sense of belonging and purpose.
  • The modern workplace has become more collaborative and team-oriented, with many jobs requiring us to work closely with others to achieve shared goals. Building positive ways of working with others can improve communication and increase collaboration and teamwork. In this sense, the environment we have at work can become a positive platform for achieving professional success.
  • As work has become a central aspect of modern life, many of us have also come to view our colleagues as a kind of “work family.” We often share personal experiences, support one another during difficult times, and celebrate one another’s successes. This sense of community and camaraderie can provide comfort and fulfillment in our lives, especially for those of us who may not have close family or friends networks outside of work.

 

6 ways in which work relationships can impact our health – positively or negatively

When the going is good, the connections we build with other people at work can boost health and well-being. But when people at work are in a state of friction with one another, the health of everyone involved can get adversely impacted.

It’s therefore important to try and improve our work atmosphere by maintaining good relations with everybody we come into contact with.

 

1. Reduced stress levels:

The way we mingle with our teammates at work can provide emotional support, which can help reduce tension levels and promote mental and physical well-being. Troubles at the workplace have an overall detrimental effect on the whole body-mind system. And, more importantly, if things grow worse, we may even be vulnerable to serious burnout.

At the very least, a worker under any strain needs less exacerbation of the problem caused by recurring exposure to co-workers who may be the cause of distress in the first place.

According to the American Psychological Association, “ … repeated acute stress may contribute to inflammation in the circulatory system, particularly in the coronary arteries … while chronic stress can cause anxiety, depression, digestive issues, headaches, muscle tension and pain, heart disease, heart attack, high blood pressure, sleep problems, weight gain, and memory and concentration impairment.”

 

2. Improved mental health:

Positive office atmospheres can contribute to reduced symptoms of worry and concern about being good at our jobs and being valued for it.

Working environments are full of targets to meet. Performance anxieties can be aplenty. Unfortunately, many of us who have nervous tensions about the quality of work we are producing may not seek help due to embarrassment or fear of peers’ and seniors’ scrutiny.

According to Health Assured, “Positive relationships can help employees deal with stress or other workplace difficulties. In the case of mental health, this is particularly important. Having people to talk to at work, formally or informally, can be a lifeline for someone suffering from performance anxiety.”

 

 

“Positive relationships can help employees deal with stress or other workplace difficulties.”

 

 

3. Better sleep quality:

Good friendships with our colleagues can enhance sleep quality, positively impacting our mental and physical health. Sleeping well has several health benefits, including higher mental alertness and the ability to focus on details.

Sleep is a recuperation-and-repair phase that every human needs every day, in sufficient quantity, to offset accumulated mind and body wear-and-tear. Poor sleep can arise from difficult working conditions and relationships at work, and it can also contribute to worsening the work situation.

According to Elaine Houston, writing in Positive Psychology,” … well-being is enhanced through work interactions when those interactions are trusting, collaborative, and positive, and when employees feel valued and respected. Interactions lacking these characteristics were found to detract from well-being and negatively impacted sleeping …”

 

4. Reduced risk of chronic disease:

Good workplace reciprocities can lead to better health, including a reduced risk of chronic disease. Ailments such as obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension – or hereditary factors – can all combine and have a multiplicative effect on the heart.

Those of us with chronic illnesses may not care to talk to our co-workers much about our health conditions. This could be due to fear that discussing health issues openly may affect others’ perceptions of our productivity – or even affect prospects of promotions at work.

Whereas, if there is healthy interactivity with colleagues, our co-workers can form a source of additional support at times when we need them – for example, when some of us may be going through high cholesterol symptoms, high blood sugar levels, high blood pressure, or the effects of obesity.

 

 

“Practicing mindfulness as the art of relaxed attention.”

 

 

5. Reduced risk of substance abuse:

Good interactions with people who work with us can reduce the chances of substance abuse, positively impacting mental and physical health outcomes. Substance abuse can begin with mild addictions like smoking or some frequent drinking, but when it becomes more serious than that, it can even endanger the prospect of keeping the job.

Not only does the work done come out sub-standard, but frequent absenteeism from work will also alienate the office teams that feel let down by the worker who is not in a balanced state of mind. This leads to further alienation and, possibly, more substance abuse.

According to Buddy T, writing in Very Well Mind, “Research has shown that several factors can contribute to alcohol and drug misuse in the workplace. Factors that can encourage or discourage workplace substance abuse include workplace alienation”.

 

6. Improved immune system function:

Positive connections with co-workers (as with other social relationships) can improve our immune systems.

Doctors have always told us that people in a happy state are likely to have a better state of immunity due to their mindsets. Conversely, being in a negative place concerning our co-workers can create a silent unhappiness that substantially impacts our immunity.

According to Carrianne J. Leschak M.A. et al., in their medical paper in Psychosomatic Medicine, “… adverse social experiences (social isolation, perceived social threat) may induce inflammatory responses while suppressing antiviral immunity, whereas positive experiences of social connection may reduce inflammation and bolster antiviral responses.”

 

In summary

Some writers link poor office bonding with the possibility of a stroke. This may or may not be true, as there is not enough validation yet for this theory. But as Arun Pradeep writes in LinkedIn, every working environment could surely become one of “positive strokes,” where employees respect and support one another, making the workplace ever joyful, warmly accepting, and always open-hearted. Stay heart-healthy. Be a Zinda Dil.

 

 

References

  1. American Psychological Association. “How stress affects your health.” Accessed: March 20, 2023. https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/health
  2. Health Assured. “Why Employers Should Encourage Positive Relationships In The Workplace.” Accessed: March 20, 2023. https://www.healthassured.org/blog/why-employers-should-encourage-positive-relationships-in-the-workplace/
  3. Houston, Elaine. Positive Psychology. “The Importance of Positive Relationships in the Workplace.” Accessed: March 20, 2023. https://positivepsychology.com/positive-relationships-workplace/
  4. Buddy, T. Very Well Mind. “The Dangers of Substance Abuse in the Workplace.” Accessed: March 20, 2023. https://www.verywellmind.com/substance-abuse-in-the-workplace-63807
  5. Leschak, Carrianne J., M.A. et al. Psychosomatic Medicine. “Two Distinct Immune Pathways Linking Social Relationships With Health: Inflammatory and Antiviral Processes.” Accessed: March 20, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7025456/
  6. Pradeep, Arun. LinkedIn. “ Fostering a culture of positive strokes.” Accessed: March 20, 2023. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/fostering-culture-positive-strokes-arun-pradeep/

 

Categories
Aware Lets Be Aware

“Who should not go in for a treadmill test?”

“Who should not go in for a treadmill test?”

Who should not go in for a treadmill test

Treadmill stress tests (TMT) are a standard medical procedure to assess an individual’s heart function during exercise.

This test involves walking or running on a treadmill while monitoring your heart rate and other vital signs.

While a treadmill stress test is generally safe for most people, some individuals should not have one or may require extra evaluation before the test.

Additionally, some medical conditions or medications may affect an individual’s ability to exercise or increase their risk of complications during the test.

The American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) Task Force Guidelines for Exercise Testing are what doctors may choose to follow when deciding if a patient is fit to undergo a TMT test.

 

Why your doctor should decide if you are eligible for a treadmill test

During a thorough evaluation, your doctor will consider several factors, such as your age, medical history, current medications, and any symptoms you may be experiencing, to determine if a treadmill stress test is appropriate for you.

If you have chronic illnesses such as obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension – or hereditary factors – they can all combine and have a multiplicative effect on the heart.

It’s imperative to let your doctor know about your current ailments – whether you have high blood sugar level symptoms or high blood pressure, what are your medications and diet to reduce cholesterol, and how you manage obesity and overweight.

 

24 types of people who should not take a treadmill test

Treadmill stress tests are generally safe for most people, but some individuals should avoid undergoing this test or may require additional evaluation before the test.

The doctor may preclude those from taking the test if they fall under any of these categories:

 

1. People with acute illnesses or infections:

For those having a fever or an acute illness such as a respiratory infection, postponing the stress test until they have recovered is best.

 

2. People with certain medical conditions:

Individuals with specific medical conditions, such as unstable angina or uncontrolled hypertension, may not be suitable for a treadmill stress test.

 

3. People with walking disabilities:

Those with injuries or limb impairments that limit their ability to exercise or walk may not be able to complete the treadmill stress test.

 

4. Pregnant women:

The treadmill stress test may not be appropriate for pregnant women (especially after the first trimester) as it may pose a risk to the developing fetus.

 

5. People with an increased risk of heart attack or stroke:

According to Cleveland Clinic, the doctor may recommend other tests instead of a treadmill stress test for persons with a high heart attack or stroke risk.

 

6. People with certain medications:

If a person takes medications, such as beta-blockers, that slow down the heart rate or affect the blood pressure response to exercise, the doctor may need to adjust the medication or perform alternative tests.

 

7. People with an irregular heart rhythm:

The treadmill stress test may not accurately assess heart function for those with an irregular heartbeat, such as atrial fibrillation. The doctor may recommend other tests, such as a non-treadmill stress echocardiogram or nuclear stress test.

 

8. People with a history of stroke or mini-stroke:

For people who have had a stroke or mini-stroke (which, according to Healthline, is also called a transient ischemic attack), the doctor may need to evaluate the risk of their having another stroke during the treadmill stress test.

 

9. People with severe obesity:

Individuals with severe obesity may be unable to complete the treadmill stress test due to physical limitations or the risk of injury.

 

10. People with severe lung disease:

Individuals with severe lung diseases like COPD may be unable to do the treadmill stress test due to difficulty breathing during exercise. Also, according to S Bernard et al., in their medical paper in PubMed, “Peripheral muscle weakness is commonly found in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and may play a role in reducing exercise capacity.”

 

11. People with severe arthritis or joint pain:

For persons having severe arthritis or joint pain, it may be difficult to walk on the treadmill, and the test may not accurately assess heart function. The doctor may recommend other tests, such as a pharmacologic stress test.

 

12. People with severe peripheral artery disease (PAD):

For people with severe PAD, walking on the treadmill may be difficult, and the test may not accurately assess heart function. The doctor may recommend other tests, such as an exercise stress test with ankle-brachial index measurement or a pharmacologic stress test.

 

13. People with a history of heart failure:

For individuals with a history of heart failure, the doctor may need to evaluate heart function and decide if a treadmill stress test is safe.

 

14. People with specific electrolyte imbalances:

For some people with certain electrolyte imbalances, such as low potassium or magnesium levels, their condition may affect their heart function during the test. The doctor may need to correct the imbalance before the test.

 

15. People with significant chest discomfort or shortness of breath at rest:

For those with significant chest discomfort or shortness of breath at rest, the doctor may need to evaluate the cause of these symptoms before recommending a treadmill stress test.

 

16. People with uncontrolled diabetes:

People with uncontrolled diabetes may be required to be evaluated by their doctors for blood sugar levels before and during the test to ensure their safety.

 

17. People with a pacemaker or implantable defibrillator:

For persons with pacemakers or implantable defibrillators, the doctor may need to adjust the device settings or perform alternative testing methods to ensure safety during the test.

 

18. People with severe asthma:

Physical exertion during a treadmill stress test may trigger an asthma attack for people with severe asthma. The doctor may recommend alternative testing methods, such as a pharmacologic stress test.

 

19. People with recent surgery or significant injury:

For people who have recently had surgery or a significant injury, the doctor may need to evaluate physical readiness for the test and may recommend postponing it until they fully recover.

 

20. People with severe valvular heart disease:

The doctor may recommend alternative testing methods to evaluate heart function for patients with severe valvular heart disease, such as severe aortic stenosis or mitral stenosis.

 

21. People with a history of fainting or syncope:

If a person has a history of fainting or syncope, the doctor may need to evaluate the cause of these symptoms and determine if a treadmill stress test is safe.

 

22. People with a history of pulmonary embolism:

For people with a history of pulmonary embolism, the doctor may need to evaluate their risk of having another pulmonary embolism during the treadmill stress test.

 

23. People with aortic aneurysms:

According to P J Best et al., in their medical paper in Annals of Internal Medicine, for those having an aortic aneurysm, the doctor may need to evaluate the size and location of the aneurysm and determine if a treadmill stress test is safe.

 

24. People with severe liver or kidney disease:

For people with severe liver or kidney disease, the doctor may need to evaluate their health status and determine if a treadmill stress test is recommended.

 

In summary

There are many alternatives your doctor may have recourse to if you cannot have a treadmill stress test. It’s best to leave the decision of a TMT to your doctor, who can best weigh the benefits versus the risks to your body and your heart. Stay heart-healthy. Be a Zinda Dil.

 

 

References

  1. American College of Cardiology (ACC) and the American Heart Association (AHA) Task Force. “ACC/AHA Guidelines for Exercise Testing: Executive Summary.” Accessed: March 16, 2023. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/full/10.1161/01.cir.96.1.345
  2. Cleveland Clinic. “Exercise stress test.” Accessed: March 16, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/16984-exercise-stress-test
  3. Healthline. “Signs and Symptoms of Ministroke (TIA).” Accessed: March 16, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/stroke/signs-symptoms-tia-mini-stroke
  4. Bernard, S, et al. PubMed. “Peripheral muscle weakness in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.” Accessed: March 16, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9700144/
  5. Best, P J, et al. Annals of Internal Medicine. “The safety of treadmill exercise stress testing in patients with abdominal aortic aneurysms.” Accessed: March 16, 2023. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/9786810/

 

Categories
Aware Lets Be Aware

“What does a treadmill stress test show?”

“What does a treadmill stress test show?”

What does a treadmill stress test show?

When you have a scheduled treadmill stress test (also known as TMT), there may be a temptation to browse the Internet to see what is a positive test result and what is a negative one.

But self-evaluation of treadmill stress tests is not recommended because it requires specialized medical training to interpret the results correctly.

Lay persons are not as trained as doctors are to monitor heart rate and blood pressure during exercise or accurately identify any abnormalities or symptoms that may indicate an underlying heart condition.

Doctors often may not even reveal to patients what specifics they read in the test results and generally say whether the result was good or not. But you must trust that your doctor will know precisely what further tests or treatment to give you to remedy your problems effectively.

With that idea understood, let’s broadly see what results a completed test can show.

 

Be aware of the factors that can affect your treadmill test results

Assuming your doctor has discussed whether or not you are fit enough to take a stress test and how to get ready to pass your test, your doctor will likely consider these factors when setting up your test to get accurate results.

 

  • Age and Gender: As you age, your maximum heart rate decreases, which can affect the precision of the test. Further, according to Priya Kohli et al., in their medical paper in the American Heart Association (AHA) Journals, gender sensitivity in setting up and interpreting results is also essential.
  • Fitness Level and Body Weight: Your fitness level and body weight can also affect the intensity of the exercise required to achieve your target heart rate, which can affect your test results.

 

The critical 8 points that a stress test can show about your heart

If you’ve given a proper test, following the correct procedure, here are 8 things that a stress test can show your doctor:

 

1. What is the overall health of your heart, assessing its responses to exercise stress?

A TMT provides an overall assessment of the health of your heart by evaluating its ability to respond to physical activity and stress. During the test, the heart is monitored for any abnormalities in its function or rhythm.

If you have illnesses such as obesity, cholesterol, diabetes, and hypertension – or hereditary factors – they can all combine and have a multiplicative effect on the heart.

Before the test, let your doctor know about your ailments and how you are managing them – through foods to avoid with diabetes, high blood pressure treatment, a diet to lower cholesterol, or a plan to reduce obesity.

 

2. How well does your heart handle higher activity and stress as your test gets tougher?

During the test, as you walk on the treadmill, the intensity of the exercise will gradually increase until you reach a target heart rate.

As your heart rate and blood pressure increase, your heart must work harder to pump blood to your muscles, and any underlying issues with your heart may become more apparent.

According to Healthline, “Doctors are specifically looking at your vital signs for ischemia, or poor oxygen and blood flow to the heart.”

 

3. Are there signs of abnormal heart rhythms or arrhythmias, and what are their likely causes?

Abnormal heart rhythms can occur when the electrical signals that regulate the heart’s pumping action become disrupted or irregular.
During the test, electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity. If any abnormal rhythms or arrhythmias occur during exercise, they will be detected by the monitoring equipment.

The test can also help determine the underlying cause of any arrhythmias or abnormal rhythms, such as a structural problem with the heart, a previous heart attack, or an imbalance in the body’s electrolytes.

 

4. Is there the presence of any blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries?

The coronary arteries supply oxygen and nutrients to the heart muscle, and if these arteries become narrowed or blocked, blood flow to the heart may be reduced or cut off entirely.

If there are blockages or narrowing in your coronary arteries, the reduced blood flow may become apparent during exercise, when the heart needs more oxygen and nutrients. The test can also help identify the location and severity of any blockages or narrowing, which can guide further testing or treatment options.

But there is one caveat here.

According to Harvard Health Publishing, it is essential to know that a normal stress test can’t rule out the chance that a plaque will later block an artery. Stress testing only detects severely narrowed arteries (70% or more), whereas heart attacks could often result from lesser blockages.

 

5. What is your maximum heart rate, and how quickly does it return to normal after exercise?

During the test, your heart rate will gradually increase as you walk on the treadmill, and the intensity of the exercise increases. Your maximum heart rate is the highest you can achieve during the test, a key indicator of your heart’s health and fitness level.

After the test, your heart rate will gradually decrease as you cool down. The speed at which your heart rate returns to normal can also indicate your overall cardiovascular health. If your heart rate returns to normal quickly, it may suggest you are in good cardiovascular shape.

 

6. How are your blood pressure and lung functions monitored throughout the test?

As you walk on the treadmill, your heart rate and blood pressure will increase to meet the exercise demands. Your body will also require more oxygen to meet the increased needs of your muscles.

The test can help identify any abnormalities in your blood pressure response, such as increased blood pressure greater than expected for your activity level. The test can also show how much air you breathe in and out, and the oxygen levels in your blood, to evaluate how well your lungs can supply oxygen to your body during physical activity.

 

7. If you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, are they heart-related?

According to Cleveland Clinic, if you have any symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness during exercise, they may or may not be due to an underlying heart condition.

During the test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing are monitored, and you will be asked about any symptoms you experience. Your doctor can use this information to evaluate whether the cause of your symptoms is related to a heart condition, and determine what treatment you may need.

 

8. Are you at risk of developing heart disease in the future based on visible conditions?

A treadmill stress test can provide information about your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, blood flow to the heart muscle, and any underlying heart conditions.

According to Salynn Boyles, writing in WebMD, if your test results show signs of decreased blood flow to the heart, abnormal heart rhythms, or other cardiovascular issues, you may be at a higher risk for developing heart disease in the future.

 

In summary

A treadmill stress test is a valuable tool in assessing the health of your heart and identifying any underlying heart conditions. It is important to approach the test positively and trust your doctor’s ability to interpret the results and provide appropriate guidance and treatment. Stay heart-healthy. Be a Zinda Dil.

 

 

References

  1. Kohli, Priya, et al. American Heart Association (AHA) Journals. “Exercise Stress Testing in Women” Accessed: March 14, 2023. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/10.1161/CIRCULATIONAHA.109.914754
  2. Healthline. “Your Guide to Stress Test Results by Age.” Accessed: March 14, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/stress-test-results-by-age-chart
  3. Harvard Health Publishing. “Cardiac exercise stress testing: What it can and cannot tell you.” Accessed: March 14, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-disease/cardiac-exercise-stress-testing-what-it-can-and-cannot-tell-you
  4. Cleveland Clinic. “Noncardiac Chest Pain.” Accessed: March 14, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15851-gerd-non-cardiac-chest-pain
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