Overview
A treadmill stress test, also known as a stress electrocardiogram (EKG) evaluates the effect of exercise on the heart by evaluating how the electrical signals on an EKG change with exercise. We also evaluate any symptoms of discomfort while the patient is exercising.
Everything You Need To Know
- Why It's Done
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This test can be used to detect if there are blockages in the arteries of the heart. It can also be used to evaluate the heart’s ability to properly increase the rate of contraction under stress in patients with slow heart rates. Additionally, it can be used to evaluate patients with valve disease to see if they are symptomatic. It also provides prognostic information by evaluating a patient’s exercise capacity, how their blood pressure reacts to exercise, and how their heart rate recovers from exercise.
- Where Is This Test Performed?
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We offer this test at our all our AdventHealth hospitals as well as our Lansing clinic. Please arrive 15 minutes before your test is scheduled to allow for check in. The procedure will take approximately 45 minutes.
- How Is This Test Conducted?
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A nurse will place 10 electrode patches on your chest and attach them to a machine to record your EKG. You will have somebody monitoring your EKG and monitoring you for concerning symptoms at all times.
During the test you will be asked to walk on a treadmill following a standard protocol known as the Bruce protocol. The protocol starts at a slow speed and low level of incline. The treadmill speed and incline will both increase every three minutes. You may hold onto a bar in front of you for balance as you perform the test. You will be asked to inform the nurse of any chest pain, leg pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue you may experience. In order to increase the effectiveness of the test it is important exercise as long as you can.
- Preparation
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You should wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing. A shirt or blouse that buttons in the front is recommended. Women should wear a bra. You should wear comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. If you smoke, you should avoid doing so for four hours prior to the test. You should not eat or drink for four hours prior to the test. A small amount of liquid with medications is permissible but you should avoid coffee or tea. You should take your usual medications with two notable exceptions.
- You should not take any beta blockers (for example, metoprolol, carvedilol, bisoprolol, atenolol, labetalol) for at least 12 hours prior to the test.
- You should not take centrally acting calcium channel blockers (for example, diltiazem or verapamil) for at least 12 hours prior to the test.
Your Results
The stress test will be read and interpreted by one of our board-certified cardiologists. You should receive a call with the results within a week of having the test done or you may view the results in your AdventHealth Patient Portal.