WHAT IS AN EXERCISE STRESS TEST?
An Exercise Stress Test is a test that allows the physician to evaluate how well your heart functions when it has to work harder. You will walk on a treadmill while your ECG and blood pressure are monitored and recorded. This test may help to detect problems that are not found while you are at rest. This test may also be called a “Treadmill Test” or an “Exercise ECG Test”.
WHAT DOES THE ECG SHOW?
The ECG shows the electrical activity in your heart. During exercise, the physician will carefully watch the ECG for any evidence of heart problems such as: a heart rate that is too fast or too slow, irregular heart beats (arrhythmia) or changes in the shape of the ECG complex. These changes may mean areas of your heart are not getting enough blood flow during exercise due to narrowed or diseased arteries in your heart.
HOW IS IT DONE?
Prior to beginning the test, a technician will sit down with you and intake a brief medical history background. The technician will then prepare your chest with an abrasive lotion and then place sticky patches on your chest. These patches will be attached to the wires of the ECG machine. Before exercising, an electrocardiogram will be done with you lying down and standing. You will be instructed on how to step onto the treadmill and how to hold onto the rails to maintain your balance while you are on the treadmill. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm and a blood pressure will be taken before you start and then again about every 3 minutes until you have completed the test. A Cardiologist, an Exercise Physiologist, a Physician Assistant or a Nurse Practitioner, along with an ECG Technician will be with you throughout the test. You will begin by walking slowly on the treadmill. The speed and incline of the treadmill may increase every 3 minutes. You will be asked to report any discomfort such as chest pain.
HOW LONG WILL I HAVE TO WALK ON THE TREADMILL?
The average walking time is 6 to 9 minutes. The test may be stopped if you develop abnormal ECG changes, if you are too tired to continue, if you develop significant symptoms or if you have reached your peak heart rate. At the end of the test, the treadmill will gradually slow down and you will be assisted to a chair or bed. Your ECG and blood pressure will continue to be monitored for an additional 5 minutes or until you are symptom free and your ECG is normal. The technician will remove the sticky patches and the blood pressure cuff at the completion of the test.