EXERCISE STRESS TEST

Your physician has ordered an exercise stress test. This test is performed for many reasons. It is done to identify the cause of chest pain or chest discomfort which can occur with blockages in blood flow to the heart, to monitor heart function in people with known heart disease, to determine the response to medications, after angioplasty or bypass surgery, to look for abnormal heart rhythms that may occur with exercise, and/or to determine an exercise prescription. An electrocardiogram, also known as and ECG or EKG, records the electrical activity of your heart while you walk on a treadmill. The information we are able to obtain from a stress test is the length of time that you were able to exercise, onset of symptoms, and response of heart rate and blood pressure to exercise.

How do I prepare for a stress test? 

• Do not eat anything 2 hours before the test.

• Withhold caffeinated beverages, decaffeinated beverages, tea, cola and chocolates for a minimum of 12 hours prior to your test. You may have water or milk during this time. 

• Some “over the counter” medications such as Excedrin contain caffeine – please check the label for ingredients.

• Do not smoke or use any form of nicotine 12 hours prior to your test.

• Take your medications on the day of the test unless instructed otherwise

• Do not apply lotions or powders to the chest.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.

What happens during the test?

• You will be given an explanation of the test and asked to sign a consent form.

• Electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine, which permits continuous monitoring of your heart rhythm.

• A nurse or exercise physiologist supervises your test.

• You will be shown how to use the treadmill.

• Treadmill starts slowly at first and gradually increases in speed and incline.

• Your blood pressure is checked frequently, and your ECG is continually monitored.

• Report any symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness

• Exercise as long as you can since that increases the accuracy of the test

• When the exercise portion is completed, your blood pressure and ECG will be monitored for several more minutes

When will I know the results of the stress test?

• Final interpretation of the test results is completed by the cardiologist

• Your referring physician or family doctor receive a report within 3-5 days

Updated in 2013