Exercise Stress Tests

A stress test can be used to test for heart disease. Stress tests are tests performed by a doctor and/or trained technician to determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). The most commonly performed stress test is the exercise stress test.

What Is an Exercise Stress Test?

The exercise stress test -- also called a stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or stress ECG -- is a test used to provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored.

Why Do I Need a Stress Test?

Your doctor uses the stress test to:

• Determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of your heart medications to control angina and ischemia.
• Determine the likelihood of having coronary heart disease and the need for further evaluation.
• Check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve blood flow within the heart vessels in people with coronary heart disease.
• Identify abnormal heart rhythms.
• Help you develop a safe exercise program.

How Should I Prepare for the Exercise Stress Test?

Before your stress test:

• Do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test.
• Do not drink or eat foods containing caffeine for 12 hours before the test. Caffeine will interfere with the results of your test.
• Do not take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your doctor tells you otherwise, or if the medication is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test: Isosorbide dinitrate (for example, Isordil, Dilatrate SR); Isosorbide mononitrate (for example, ISMO, Imdur, Monoket); Nitroglycerin (for example, Deponit, Nitrostat, Nitro-bid). Your doctor may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day ofyour test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your doctor. Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your doctor.
• If you use an inhaler for your breathing, please bring it to the test.

If you are having one of these procedures you will be contacted prior to the procedure by a member of the team who will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare.

What Should I Wear the Day of the Test?

On the day of your stress test, wear soft-soled shoes suitable for walking and comfortable clothes. Do not bring valuables.

What Happens During the Exercise Stress Test?

• First, during a stress test, a technician will gently clean 10 small areas on your chest and place electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on these areas. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor (ECG or EKG) that charts your heart's electrical activity during the test.
• Before you start exercising, the technician will perform an EKG, to measure your heart rate at rest and will take your blood pressure.
• You will begin to exercise by walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. The rate of exercise, or degree of difficulty will gradually increase. You will be asked to exercise until you feel exhausted.
• At regular intervals, the lab personnel will ask how you are feeling. Please tell them if you feel chest, arm or jaw pain or discomfort, short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded, or any other unusual symptoms. It is normal for your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and perspiration to increase during the test. The lab personnel will watch for any symptoms or changes on the ECG monitor that suggest the test should be stopped.
• After the test you will walk or pedal slowly for a couple of minutes to cool down. Your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG will continue to be monitored until the levels begin returning to normal.

Although the appointment lasts about 60 minutes, the actual exercise time is usually between seven and 12 minutes.

Ask your doctor if you have any questions about the exercise stress test.

For more information or to make an appointment please call 1-203-276-4777.

For more information or to make an appointment please call
1-877-233-WELL (9355).