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Why is the doctor performing this test?
To evaluate exercise tolerance and determine if there is narrowing in an artery leading to the heart muscle
- a warning sign of a possible heart attack. By comparing the electrical activity of the heart before, during, and after physical exercise, your doctor can determine how well the heart muscle is functioning during increased stress.
What is the test?
At the start of the test, your technician places approximately 10 electrode patches on the skin of your arms, legs and chest (sometimes it is necessary to shave small areas of body hair in order to get a good reading). These electrode patches are hooked up to the
Electrocardiography machine, which displays the electrical activity of your heart. All the while, your blood pressure is monitored as well.
The nurse will first take an EKG reading while you are at rest. Then, you will be asked to exercise on a treadmill. The exercise will begin with a slow walk, then steadily the speed and incline will change to increase the workload on the heart. If at any time you feel faint, fatigue, short of breath, or experience chest pain, IMMEDIATELY alert the nurse and the test will stop. EKG measurements will be taken continuously while you are exercising. Once you have reached a pre-determined, optimum heart rate (based on height, weight, gender, etc.), the procedure will end.
You will then relax in a “cool down” period, while EKG measurements continue to be taken.
Where is the test performed?
In the Non-Invasive Cardiology Testing Center in your office.
What do I do to prepare for the test?
- Do not eat, drink, or smoke within four (4) hours of your test. Sips of water are permitted. If you are a diabetic, please call the testing center for special instructions.
- Continue taking all medications except beta blockers (see list below) unless instructed otherwise by a nurse or physician (may take with water). Hold beta blockers for 24 hours. Beta blockers include: Betapace (Sotalol), Cartol, Inderal (Propranolol), Sectral (Acebutolol), Toprol (Metoprolol), Blocadren (Timolol), Coreg (Carvidilol), Lopressor(Metoprolol), Tenormin (Atenolol), Zebeta or Ziac (Bisoprolol), Brevibloc (Esmolol), Corgard (Nadolol), Normodyne (Labetalol), Tenoretic.
- Bring a current medication list, including dose (MG) and frequency.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for exercising. Do not apply lotion to your chest the morning of the test.
- No strenuous activity before or after your test. No jogging or other workout that day.
How long does this test take?
A stress test varies in length depending on how long it takes to reach your optimum heart rate, and whether or not the test is terminated early due to fatigue, shortness of breath or chest pain. Usually, if the test is completed without a stoppage, it takes about 30 minutes:
- 5 minutes for an EKG at rest
- 15 minutes of exercising on the treadmill measuring the heart’s activity at stress
- 7 – 10 minutes measuring activity during the “cool down” period
Your doctor may order a more detailed test, combining the treadmill test with either XRay or ultrasound imaging. (see related links) |
