India, May 27 -- A heart attack is a common but serious health condition that takes place when the flow of blood to the heart is severely reduced or blocked. This is primarily caused by the buildup of fat, cholesterol and other substances in the coronary arteries, known as plaque.

Sometimes, to gauge the risk of a heart attack, medical professionals suggest a stress test. It is designed to determine how well the heart responds during times when it's working its hardest. While a "normal" stress test result is reassuring, it does not guarantee that there is zero risk of a heart attack.

Taking to Instagram on May 23, Dr Dmitry Yaranov, a US-based cardiologist specialising in heart failure and transplantation, explained what a stress test a...