Treadmill Exercise Stress Test

(Also called: cardiac stress test, treadmill stress test)

Purpose

A treadmill exercise stress test is used to determine the effects of exercise on the heart. Exercise allows doctors to detect abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) and diagnose the presence or absence of coronary artery disease.

This test involves walking in place on a treadmill while monitoring the electrical activity of your heart. Throughout the test, the speed and incline of the treadmill increase. The results show how well your heart responds to the stress of different levels of exercise.

Description

1. A technologist will explain the test to you, take a brief medical history, and answer any questions you may have. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiogram(ECG) will be monitored before, during, and after the test.
2. You will be asked to sign a consent form. This form is required before the test can proceed.
3. You will be asked to remove all upper body clothing, and to put on a gown with the opening to the front.
4. Adhesive electrodes will be put onto your chest to capture an ECG. The sites where the electrodes are placed will be cleaned with alcohol and shaved if necessary. A mild abrasion may also be used to ensure a good quality ECG recording.
5. Your resting blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be recorded.
6. You will be asked to walk on a treadmill. The walk starts off slowly, then the speed and incline increases at set times. It is very important that you walk as long as possible because the test is effort-dependent.
7. You will be monitored throughout the test. If a problem occurs, the technologist will stop the test right away. It is very important for you to tell the technologist if you experience any symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue.
8. Following the test, you will be asked to lie down. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be monitored for three to five minutes after exercise.
9. The data will be reviewed by a cardiologist after the test is completed. A report will be sent to the doctor(s) involved in your care.

Patient Instructions

The Stress Test consists of two parts:

• Avoid heavy meals, coffee (including decaffeinated tea or soda), smoking or alcohol consumption at least 4 hrs prior to your test as these may affect your results.
• If you are diabetic on insulin, take half your normal insulin dose, as exercise will lower your blood sugar.
• Do not apply lotions, perfumes or powder to the chest area on the day of you test.
• Wear a two piece outfit and shoes that will be comfortable for exercising.
• Arrive 15 minutes prior to the schedules time to allow for registration, and bring your VALID health card and a list of your current medications.
• Expect to wait in the clinic 15-45 minutes after your stress test for your body to cool down before driving home.

Medications to stop one day before the test, and on the day of the test, unless otherwise instructed by the doctor to “DO NOT STOP”: