Can a stress test show blocked arteries?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain the role of stress testing in identifying blocked arteries. Stress testing is a valuable diagnostic tool that can help identify the presence of coronary artery disease. During a stress test, a patient is asked to perform physical activity on a treadmill or a stationary bike while their heart rate, blood pressure, and other vital signs are monitored. The purpose of the test is to increase the heart's demand for oxygen, which can help reveal any issues with blood flow to the heart muscle. When a person exercises, their heart rate increases, and the heart muscle requires more blood flow. If there are blocked or significantly narrowed arteries, the increased demand for oxygen cannot be met, and this can cause symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. The stress test can detect arteries that are severely narrowed (70% or more), which are more likely to cause symptoms and are considered significant. However, it's important to note that heart attacks often result from lesser blockages that rupture and form clots, rather than from severe blockages alone. Stress testing may not always detect these smaller blockages, which can still pose a risk to the patient. In summary, while stress testing can show blocked arteries, particularly those that are severely narrowed, it may not detect all blockages, especially smaller ones that could still lead to a heart attack.

"That person is less likely to have significant coronary artery disease," Dr. Bhatt says. ... Stress testing detects arteries that are severely narrowed (70% or more). This is what causes symptoms. Heart attacks often result from lesser blockages that rupture and form clots.