Stress Testing: A Simple Yet Effective Cardiac Assessment Method

by Jay Villaverde

Summary: Stress testing provides valuable information about heart function by monitoring cardiac response during controlled physical exertion, revealing whether coronary blood flow meets the heart's increased demands. This article explains how stress testing works, what results indicate, and when medical professionals recommend this evaluation. Understanding stress testing helps individuals prepare appropriately for the procedure and interpret results with their healthcare providers. The article addresses the test's utility in evaluating chest pain causes, assessing exercise tolerance after cardiac events, and determining appropriate activity levels—information supporting informed discussions with healthcare providers about cardiac health and risk management.

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Note: This health information article was written many years ago and has not been updated recently. Please use it for general information and educational purposes only. Also, check the disclaimer at the bottom.

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In each of the five tests, please note the items that applies to your present feelings.

The “O” Group

My life seems incomplete

I feel shy with all but my close friends

I have feelings of insecurity

I often feel unequal to others

When things go right I sometimes feel undeserving

I feel something is missing in my life

I occasionally feel a low self worth

I feel inadequate as a person

I frequently feel fearful when there is nothing to fear

The “G” Group

I often feel anxious for no reason

I sometimes feel free floating anxiety

I frequently feel edgy or find it difficult to sit still

I often feel a knot in my stomach

Falling asleep is sometimes difficult

It is hard to turn my mind off when I want to relax

I occasionally experience feelings of panic for no reason

I often use alcohol or other sedatives to calm down

The “D” Group

I lack pleasure in my life

I feel there are no real rewards in my life

I have unexplained lack of concern for others, even loved ones

I experience decreased parental feelings

Life seems less colorful or flavorful

Things that used to be fun are no longer fun

I have become a less spiritual or socially concerned person

The “N” Group

I suffer from a lack of energy

I often find it difficult to get going

I suffer from decreased drive

I often start projects but don’t finish them

I frequently feel a need to sleep or hibernate

I feel depressed a good deal of the time

I occasionally feel paranoid

My survival seems threatened

I am bored a great deal of the time

The “S” Group

I can’t stay asleep

I am often irritable

My emotions often lack rationality

I occasionally experience unexplained tears

Noise bothers me more than it used to

I flare up at others more easily

I experience unprovoked anger

I feel depressed much of the time

I find myself more susceptible to pain

I prefer to be left alone

Three or more “yes” answers in any one group indicate a probable deficiency in a particular neurotransmitter due to insufficient quantities of specific amino acids, vitamins and minerals in your diet.

The “O” group relate to a shortage of the opioids neuro-transmitters which may cause you to feel a mild sense of urgency all of the time.

The “G” group relates to the neuro-transmitter GABA.Even a small shortage of this brain chemical will produce a feeling of insecurity, anxiety, fatigue and depression.

The “D” group relates to dopamine.This neuro-transmitter creates the good feelings associated with the enjoyment of beauty or the affection you feel for others.

The “N” group relates to a shortage of norepinephrine.A shortage of this neuro-transmitter will cause feelings of a lack of ambition or drive, depression, or boredom.

The “S” group relate to the neuro-transmitter serotonin.The lack of serotonin causes difficulty in getting to sleep as well as staying asleep.