I will cover two types of stress tests.  There are exercise stress tests for heart disease and general stress tests for stress in your life.

Stress Tests for Heart Health

The exercise stress test for heart disease is performed by a doctor or a trained technician. This test is used to determine the amount of stress your heart can manage before it develops an abnormal rhythm, or when there is not enough blood flow to the heart muscle. During the stress test, you will be hooked to an electrocardiogram, and your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored.

Your doctor may order a stress test to:

• Help you determine a safe level of exercise.
• Determine if your heart receives an adequate blood flow during increased levels of activity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of heart medications.
• Check for abnormal heart rhythms and the likelihood of coronary heart disease.

Although the typical test is using a treadmill, there is also a test used in people who are unable to exercise. In this type of stress test, a drug is given to make the heart respond as if the person were exercising.

The doctor will use the results of the test to determine whether further testing is needed to determine blockage of the arteries.

Stress Tests for Everyday Stress

Everyone knows that stress can impact your life. However, some stress is normal, healthy, and even necessary in life. Stress, such as meeting deadlines, is often necessary to help us reach our goals. So how do you know when there is too much stress in your life? Stress Tests Whether you are high stress due to your personality or stressed out because of your job, family or relationships, there are several different free stress tests that you can take to determine if you are over-stressed at About.com.

What I have personally discovered is that it is really all about attitude. You usually cannot control what happens around you, but you can choose your attitude. If you let things you can’t change control you and dominate your thoughts, you will be sick and unhappy – and stressed! Sure we all get upset, but don’t dwell on the negative. Do your best and keep moving forward.