Treadmill Exercise Stress Testing

While you're exercising on a treadmill, an electrocardiograph or ECG (also known as an EKG) records your heart’s electrical activity, allowing your doctor to see changes as you exercise. During exercise, changes can occur in the electrical activity of the heart that can be suggestive of blocks in the coronary arteries that supply blood to your heart also referred to as “ischemia.”  While you're exercising, a nurse and physician or physician assistant will be following your heart rate, blood pressure and level of fatigue. Additionally, we will be frequently checking if you are having symptoms such as chest discomfort or shortness of breath (angina).

How is the test performed?

Electrode patches will be attached to your body. These patches are connected to the ECG monitor, which will record your heart rate, rhythm, and possible electrical changes throughout the test. You will then be asked to begin exercising on the treadmill with the goal of performing as much exercise as you can tolerate. Eventually you will become tired or have clinical reasons that require the treadmill to be stopped.  You then will continue walking for a short period of time to safely and comfortably “cool down” prior to the treadmill being completely stopped.  You will then monitored for a short period of time prior to being disconnected from the ECG machine.

What can my doctor learn from this test?

The test provides valuable information not only about your cardiopulmonary exercise tolerance (which has been directly correlated with risk of future cardiac event), but also information about possible blocks in arteries that supply blood to your heart, abnormal heart rhythms that can develop with exercise, and your blood pressure and heart rate response to exercise.

What will I feel during the test?

You may feel tired from the exercise. Additionally, some people with sensitive skin have reported slight irritation from the electrode patches; skin cream or lotion can help reduce irritation after the patches are removed.

Is there anything special I should do before the test?

Do not eat, drink or smoke for two hours before the test. DRINK ONLY WATER.  Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing for exercising.  Unless otherwise informed, all medications should be taken the day of the test. Please bring all your medications or a current list of medications with you to the test. This study will take approximately 30 minutes.