The Value of At-Risk Stress Testing

Stress tests are administered to identify potential heart problems. The tests usually have a 20-minute duration and the patient is connected to a heart monitor throughout the test.

Personal Testing

• During a stress test, the patient's breathing, heart rate and pulse are constantly monitored. As the test progresses, added stress to the body is increased to reveal the body's response to the added stress. Individuals that have this testing done benefit by identifying possible problems and addressing them before a heart attack occurs.

Employment Testing

• At-risk testing is crucial to employers in the first responder's level of employment. This is just one area where stress testing is beneficial. Considering the dangers and nature of the jobs in emergency response, employers need to know that the employee is physically capable of handing the stressors this type of employment creates.

Insurance Testing

• More and more insurance companies are requiring a pre-coverage stress test. If an insurance company receives the result of a stress test and that test determines the prospected policyholder to be high-risk, the insurance company may decide to decline coverage. This is beneficial to the insurance company by decreasing possible losses.