Here’s a general breakdown:

• Exercise stress test (30 to 60 minutes): The actual exercise portion (e.g., walking on a treadmill) usually lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, but the setup, preparation and post-test monitoring take additional time.
• Nuclear stress test (two to four hours): This test can take several hours, depending on the imaging process. The test includes periods of rest between images and may require two sets of scans — one during rest and one after stress.
• Stress echocardiogram (30 to 60 minutes): This test includes pre- and post-stress ultrasound imaging along with the stress-inducing activity.
• Pharmacologic stress test (one to two hours): The medication takes a few minutes to mimic the stress, followed by monitoring and imaging as needed.

Your health care team will provide a detailed timeline for your specific test. They’ll ensure everything is done efficiently while keeping you comfortable and informed throughout the process.

• For general prevention: If you’re healthy with no significant risk factors, you likely don’t need regular visits to a cardiologist. Annual checkups with your primary care provider are usually sufficient to monitor your heart health.
• If you have risk factors: Conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes or a family history of cardiovascular disease may require periodic visits for diagnostic testing, typically every one to two years or as recommended by your doctor.
• For existing heart conditions: If you’ve been diagnosed with a heart condition, such as arrhythmia, heart failure or coronary artery disease, regular cardiologist appointments (every three to 12 months) are essential for ongoing care and monitoring.
• After a heart procedure or event: Following events like a heart attack or surgery, you may need more advanced care and frequent follow-ups (every few weeks or months) until your condition stabilizes.

Your provider will create a schedule tailored to your needs, ensuring you can stay on top of your heart health effectively and feel whole.

Here’s what to expect:

• Medical history: Share your symptoms, medications, lifestyle and family history of cardiovascular disease.
• Vital signs: Blood pressure, heart rate and weight are measured.
• Physical exam: The doctor listens to your heart and lungs and checks for signs of swelling or other issues.
• Discussion: You’ll talk about your symptoms and risk factors, like high blood pressure or cholesterol.
• Tests (if needed): Your doctor may order tests such as an electrocardiogram (ECG), blood tests or an echocardiogram, either during the visit or later.
• Treatment plan: If concerns are identified, the doctor will recommend lifestyle changes, medications or follow-up tests.

Prepare by bringing a list of medications and any questions. This visit is a proactive way to ensure your heart stays healthy.

It helps doctors understand your heart’s health, identify any potential issues and guide you toward the best preventive cardiology care to keep your heart strong and healthy.

There are a few different types of stress tests, each tailored to your needs:

• Exercise stress test: This test involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike while monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG (electrocardiogram).
• Nuclear stress test: A small amount of a safe, radioactive tracer helps create detailed images of your heart during rest and stress.
• Stress echocardiogram: An echocardiogram uses ultrasound technology before and after exercise (or medication-induced stress) to check how your heart pumps and whether the valves are working properly.
• Pharmacologic stress test: For people who can’t exercise, medication is used to simulate how exercise affects the heart.

• Chest pain: Persistent, crushing or pressure-like, especially if it spreads to the arms, back, neck or jaw.
• Shortness of breath: Sudden or severe, with or without chest discomfort.
• Irregular heartbeat: Racing, fluttering or irregular, especially with dizziness or fainting.
• Dizziness or fainting: Unexplained lightheadedness or loss of consciousness.
• Weakness or numbness: A sudden symptom, especially on one side of the body (possible stroke).
• Severe swelling: Legs, ankles or abdomen, or rapid weight gain.
• Upper body pain: Unexplained discomfort in the back, neck, jaw or arms.
• Cold sweats, nausea or anxiety: Accompanied by other symptoms.

When in doubt, call 911 to be taken to your closest emergency room for immediate medical attention.

For example, chemotherapy drugs like anthracyclines and certain radiation therapies, particularly when directed at the chest area, are known to increase the risk of heart problems. Additionally, pre-existing conditions like high blood pressure or diabetes can make the heart more vulnerable. Your doctor can assess your risk and help monitor and manage your heart health during treatment.

Cardio-oncology is designed to support patients with pre-existing heart conditions who need cancer treatment. A cardio-oncologist will work with your oncologist to adjust treatment options, monitor your heart health and minimize risks. This collaborative approach ensures that both your cancer and heart health are managed at the same time, giving you the best chance for successful treatment outcomes.