Cardiac / Stress Testing

Cardiac stress test is a medical test performed to evaluate the arterial blood flow to the myocardium (heart muscle) during exercise compared to blood flow while at rest. Stress tests also reveal overall physical fitness.

Treadmill
An exercise test involving the patient walking on a treadmill while the speed and incline are gradually increased.

Patient Instructions:
• Allow approximately 1 hour for exam
• Wear two-piece clothing and comfortable walking shoes
• Bring current medications or list of names and dosages
• Nothing to eat or drink two hours prior to the exam

Exercise Stress Test 
(also called stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, stress ECG)

WHAT IS EXERCISE STRESS TEST?

A test used to provide information about how the heart responds to stress. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while the electrocardiogram, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.

WHAT INFORMATION IS OBTAINED FROM EXERCISE STRESS TEST?

• to determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity
• to evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan
• to determine the likelihood of having coronary artery disease and the need for future testing

HOW TO PREPARE FOR THE EXERCISE STRESS TEST?

• Do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test.
• Ask your doctor what medications should be taken on the day of your test. If you use an inhaler for breathing, bring it to the test. If you are diabetic, ask your physician how to adjust your medications the day of your test.
• Wear comfortable clothes and soft-soled shoes suitable for walking. Women should wear a bra.
• Do not bring valuables

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE TEST

Your blood pressure and ECG recording will be taken before, during and after exercise. You will begin to exercise by walking on a treadmill. The degree of difficulty will gradually increase. You will be asked to exercise very hard until you are exhausted.

At regular intervals, the lab personnel will ask how you are feeling. Please tell them if you feel chest, arm or jaw pain or discomfort; shortness of breath; dizziness; lightheadedness; or any other unusual symptoms. It is normal for your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and perspiration to increase during the test. The lab personnel will watch for any symptoms or changes on the ECG monitor that suggest the test should be stopped.

After the test you will walk or pedal slowly for a couple of minutes to cool down. Your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG will continue to be monitored until the levels are returning to normal.

Time duration of the testing: 1 hour, the actual exercise time is usually between 5 and 12 minutes.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about the exercise stress test.