Treadmill Stress Test

Why is the test ordered?

Treadmill stress tests help physicians identify heart problems that are not easily detected when the heart is at rest.  Exercising stresses the heart just enough to show how well it reacts to work.

• Duration of exercise?
  Generally, the healthier the individual, the longer he/she exercises.
• Symptoms present during the test?
  Feeling tired and short of breath during the test is normal. However, feeling chest pain or becoming extremely short of breath may indicate a heart problem.
• Heart rate and blood pressure?
  Normally, heart rates and blood pressures rise during exercise. If heart rates are too fast or too slow or if blood pressures fall, then heart disease may be present.
• EKG results?
  Recorded electrical impulses of the stressed heart rate may show that the heart is not receiving enough oxygen-rich blood to function efficiently.

Your Preparation
• Do not eat or drink anything 3 to 4 hours prior to your test.
• Do not take your medications the morning of your test unless your physician instructs you to do so.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing that is suitable for exercise.  It is best to wear pants and a button-up shirt.

      Bring your meds with you.

Procedure
• After you register with the receptionist, a nurse will prepare you for the test.  You will be asked to remove your clothing above the waist, and you will be instructed to put on a linen gown opened in the front. (Men often choose not to wear the linen gown.) •

• Next a nurse will attach small electrodes to your chest and shoulders so your heart’s electrical impulses can be recorded.  At this time, the nurse will also attach a blood pressure cuff around your arm.

• Next you will begin your exercise portion of the test by slowly walking on a treadmill.  As your test progresses, the treadmill speed and incline will increase.  During the test, your blood pressure and EKG will be monitored.

• While you are exercising, please tell the physician and nurse about any symptoms you experience (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.)  You will continue exercising until you symptoms become intolerable or the physician prompts you the test is complete.

You will be monitored 10-15 minutes after the exercising is complete.

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