
What Does High BP Level During A Stress Test Indicate?

Question: I did a stress test and my blood pressure went from 128/80 to 218/105 in 6 minutes . My heart rate to 140 per.
Brief Answer:
This is called exaggerated bp response
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
In stress test we aim to increase bp to a target heart rate which is 85% of maximum heart rate. So a heart rate of 140 after stress is normal for you.
But your bp response is little high. This is called exaggerated bp response during stress. Theoretically it should be treated, but I'll recommend you to monitor your bp twice daily(in morning & evening) & if it is still high, you will need medication. Meanwhile decrease the salt intake & do some mild exercise daily.
I hope i answered your query, if you have any further question, I'll be happy to help.
Wishing you a happy & healthy life.
Thanks
Take care
This is called exaggerated bp response
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome
This is Dr Sameer, cardiologist.
In stress test we aim to increase bp to a target heart rate which is 85% of maximum heart rate. So a heart rate of 140 after stress is normal for you.
But your bp response is little high. This is called exaggerated bp response during stress. Theoretically it should be treated, but I'll recommend you to monitor your bp twice daily(in morning & evening) & if it is still high, you will need medication. Meanwhile decrease the salt intake & do some mild exercise daily.
I hope i answered your query, if you have any further question, I'll be happy to help.
Wishing you a happy & healthy life.
Thanks
Take care
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng


Hi , I got your reply and thank you , I may add that when the stress test was done I was advised to lay down and my blood pressure went down to normal having said this when I did ask why my blood pressure was so high the tecnisian said there is a formula that when the result were high they deduct the age of me to come to a correct number which would bring it down to 218 -my age 78 = 140 is that correct or not . thank you I will wait for your reply . P.S my password is gzwx5s .
Brief Answer:
This is not correct
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
As i said earlier, rise in bp & heart rate is a normal phenomenon after any stress including the stress testing. But a rise in bp till 218mm Hg is a exaggerated phenomenon & we in our lab stop the test when bp goes above 200mm Hg.
Their is no such formula for calculation of bp. Whatever is noted in the machine is the exact bp.
However their is a formula for Maximum heart rate of a individual which is calculated as 220-Age of patient & our aim during stress test is to reach 85% of this maximum heart rate.
In your case XXXXXXX Heart Rate = 220-78=142
& Target Heart Rate is 85% of 142 which is 120.7 ie 121/min.
Thaks
Take care
This is not correct
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Welcome back.
As i said earlier, rise in bp & heart rate is a normal phenomenon after any stress including the stress testing. But a rise in bp till 218mm Hg is a exaggerated phenomenon & we in our lab stop the test when bp goes above 200mm Hg.
Their is no such formula for calculation of bp. Whatever is noted in the machine is the exact bp.
However their is a formula for Maximum heart rate of a individual which is calculated as 220-Age of patient & our aim during stress test is to reach 85% of this maximum heart rate.
In your case XXXXXXX Heart Rate = 220-78=142
& Target Heart Rate is 85% of 142 which is 120.7 ie 121/min.
Thaks
Take care
Note: For further queries related to coronary artery disease and prevention, click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng

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