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Exercise Stress Test
An exercise stress test measures the heart’s ability to respond to exercise. This non-invasive procedure is carried out to assess patient's exercise tolerance and to evaluate and indicate coronary artery disease. It is used to look for cardiac causes of chest pain, shortness of breath or reduced exercise tolerance. It looks for evidence of coronary disease, especially in people with certain risk factors such as elevated cholesterol levels, hypertension, previous cigarette smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease. It involves walking on a treadmill while your body is monitored using an electrocardiograph (ECG) machine and a blood pressure cuff.
How is the test performed?
Electrodes (sticky patches) are attached to the chest and upper part of the body. Small wires connected to these electrodes lead to a machine that records the heart’s rate and rhythm. A blood pressure cuff is placed on the arm. The treadmill is programmed to increase in speed and incline every 3 minutes. Blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are continuously monitored throughout the test. Your patient should not be concerned about the difficulty of the test as you will take their physical condition into account when determining their suitability for the test. The stress test itself usually lasts between 3 minutes and 18 minutes. There is a rest period of 5/10 minutes after the test to monitor blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm.
How should your patient prepare for the test?
Wear or bring along appropriate clothing (e.g. comfortable/running shoes, jogging trousers/shorts,comfortable shirt). Do not apply lotions, oils or powdersto the chest area on the day of the test. Do not consume caffeine 3 hours prior to the test.
Does your patient need to fast?
Do not eat heavily before the test. A light meal may be taken 2 hours before the test.
Will it be painful?
No
How long will the test take?
Approximately 30/40 minutes