An Exercise Stress Test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. It also helps doctors know the kind and level of exercise appropriate for a patient.
More about Exercise stress testing ...
A person taking the test:
- Is hooked up to equipment to monitor the heart
- Walks slowly in place on a treadmill. Then the speed is increased for a faster pace and the treadmill is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill
- Can stop the test at any time if needed
- Afterwards will sit or lie down to have their heart and blood pressure checked
Heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (e-lek-tro-KAR-de-o-gram) (ECG) and how tired you feel are monitored during the test.
Healthy people who take the test are at very little risk. It is about the same as if they walk fast or jog up a big hill. Medical professionals are present in case something unusual happens during the test.
A Physician may recommend an Exercise Stress Test for various reasons:
- To diagnose coronary artery disease
- To diagnose a possible heart-related cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or light-headedness
- To determine a safe level of exercise
- To check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease
- To predict risk of dangerous heart-related conditions such as a heart attack
What preparation is needed?
- Plan to be in the Cardiology Department for 1-2 hours
- Do not eat heavily before the test. A light meal may be taken 2 hours before the test.
- Wear or bring the appropriate clothing
