About Todd Bublitz, RCEP Expertise I can answer questions on Cholesterol & Lipids, Cardiac Rehabilitation, and
preventive cardiology. I can also explain the risk factors for
cardiovascular disease and most cardiac diagnostic tests and procedures.
Experience
Organizations National Lipid Association
American Association of Cardiovascular and Pulmonary Rehabilitation (AACVPR)
American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM)
Preventive Cardiovascular Nurses Association (PCNA)
Rocky Mountain Cardiopulmonary Rehabilitation Association (RMCRA)
Education/Credentials Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist by ACSM Certified as 'Exercise Specialist' by ACSM
Question is there a way i could do a ballpark stress test at my home or in my neighborhood by walking a certain distance in a certain time going up a hill, climbing steps etc.that would give me a some what idea of my heart health. i am 58 yrs. old if that helps,also two knee replacements so i can't run, but i found i can walk quite fast. if you can help me in this i would appreciate it. thank you
Answer Randall,
There is really no way to do a "home stress test" to determine your heart health. A true stress test relies on the EKG readings taken during the test. Without an EKG there is no accurate way to determine if you have heart disease.
You can do a home "fitness" test to asses your fitness level. You have to know that a person can be "fit" but still have significant heart disease. Also, a person can be very unfit but have clean coronary arteries. The home test is called a Three Minute Step Test. You can get information on how to do the test and interpret the results at this website: http://www.health.harvard.edu/newsweek/Aerobic_Fitness_Test_The_Step_Method.htm
Any further testing for your heart will have to be done under the supervision of a qualified physician.
