Tests in our office · Near Union Square
Exercise stress test
Some heart problems are hard to find when you are resting. A stress test watches your heart while you exercise on a treadmill.
Same-day appointments available
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Review date: Pending review
The short answer
Exercise stress test, in brief.
- What it is
- A test that watches your heart while you exercise. Small sensors are placed on your skin, and you walk or run on a treadmill while we record what your heart is doing.
- Why you might need it
- It can help find coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, valve disease and being out of shape (deconditioning). It is also used to look into chest pain, trouble breathing, palpitations and tiredness.
- How long it takes
- Your team will tell you how long to plan for.
- How to prepare
- Our team will tell you if there is anything you need to do before your test. You will walk or run on a treadmill, so wear clothes and shoes you can move in.
- Do I need a referral?
- No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
- Insurance
- Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test.
- Results
- Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you.
Right here in our office
Tested here, read by Dr. Ghalchi.
The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. Dr. Ghalchi reads your studies and goes over the results with you, and every report is in your patient portal.
MCVA does not do coronary calcium scans, coronary CT angiography or cardiac MRI in our office. If you need one, we arrange it for you.
Before the test
You and Dr. Ghalchi talk about any worries you have and how active you are, to make sure the test is safe for you.
During the test
Sensors are placed on your skin. You walk or run on a treadmill until your heart reaches a target heart rate. Your heart will be working hard.
Then you rest for a few minutes while we keep watching the readings.
After the test
Dr. Ghalchi looks at all the data, goes over the results with you, and uses them to plan your care.
Sometimes the test is done with ultrasound pictures of your heart. That is called a stress echo.
Questions
Common questions.
Is a stress test hard?
Your heart will be working hard, but you and Dr. Ghalchi talk about your fitness first, to make sure the test is safe for you.
What should I wear?
Clothes and shoes you can walk or run in. Our team will tell you if there is anything else to do before your test.
How long does it take?
Your team will tell you how long to plan for.
Do I need a referral?
No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
When do I get my results?
Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you. You can also find your reports in your patient portal.
Is it covered by insurance?
Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test. Questions? Call us at 212-686-0066.
Related
Symptoms this test can help explain.
- Chest painPressure, tightness or pain
- Shortness of breathBreathless with activity or at rest
- PalpitationsA racing, pounding or skipping heartbeat
- FatigueTired, low on energy
Coronary artery disease Arrhythmias Heart valve disease All symptoms All tests in our office
Book
Book a visit with Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time online, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network with most major plans, no referral needed.
873 Broadway, Street Level, near Union Square · Get directions