A cardiac stress test is important so that you can understand the condition of your heart. In order to get the best results, you need to make sure you prepare properly for the test. There are a few things you need to do before you go to your doctor and get on the treadmill.

1. Don't Eat Ahead of Time

When it comes to eating, you will to want to come into the test on an empty stomach. Surprisingly, you can exercise more effectively when your stomach is not full. So, skip the meal that you would have eaten before your test.

That doesn't mean you have to fast for 24-hours, though. If your test is in the morning, skip breakfast. If your test is in the afternoon, skip out on lunch. That should give you an empty enough stomach for the test, without requiring you to make a huge sacrifice.

2. Skip the Caffeine

You also should not drink any caffeine before you go in for the test. Drinking caffeine has a direct impact on the performance of your heart, which you are trying to measure with a stress dress.

Drinking caffeine, or taking any over-the-counter medications that contain caffeine, can have a direct impact on the results of the test. With caffeine, you may want to try to go caffeine-free for 24-hours before the test to get the most accurate results.

3. Check With Your Doctor About Medication

When it comes to medication, you need to let your doctor know all the medication you are taking, both prescribed and over-the-counter medication. If you are taking any vitamins or supplements, inform your doctor about these as well.

Your doctor will let you know any medication you should take or should skip before your test. Your medication could impact the performance of your heart during the test, which is why you need to share this information with your doctor so you can decide together if you need to take or skip any medications around the testing period.

4. Take Care of Other Medical Needs

Talk to your doctor about your other medical needs so you can make sure you are addressing those needs as you get ready for your stress test. For example, if you have diabetes, skipping a meal may not be advisable, but you can modify the type of meal you eat before your stress test. Make sure you are not neglecting any of your medical conditions.

When it comes to taking a stress test, it is generally advisable to avoid caffeine and to skip the meal before your test so you can exercise on an empty stomach. Communicate clearly to your doctor about any medication you take or other medical needs you have so that they can accommodate for them in the preparation for the testing.

For more information on stress testing, contact a local medical clinic.