Exercise Stress Test
What is an Exercise Stress Test?
An exercise stress test evaluates your heart’s ability to handle an increase in workload. During the exam, the technician will assess your heart’s rhythm and blood pressure while monitoring you for any negative symptoms (such as chest pain). Stress tests are commonly referred to investigate, diagnose or rule out coronary artery disease and arrhythmias.
Preparation
Before your Exercise Stress Test
You will need to wear comfortable shoes and clothing
You will need to discontinue caffeine for 24 hours prior to your examination
Your physician will notify you should it be necessary to discontinue any of your prescribed medication
Please ensure to bring your inhaler if you require one
During your Exercise Stress Test
The technician will review a questionnaire with you, going over your medical history and determining your target heart rate
The technician will then apply electrodes across your chest, arms and legs in order to record the electrical signals of your heart
You will then be required to walk on a treadmill at a slow pace. Every 3 minutes the treadmill will increase in speed and elevation.
You will be asked to continue to exercise until your target heart rate is reached.
If you are experiencing any concerning symptoms such as severe chest pain, a severe increase or decrease in blood pressure, abnormal heart arrhythmia, or dizzy spells the technician will terminate the exam
Please note, you may stop the test at any time if you are uncomfortable. It is important to remember everyone has a different exercise tolerance, so long as your target heart rate is reached, your test will be considered diagnostic.
After the Test
The technician will ask you to rest for a period of time after the exam while continuing to monitor your blood pressure and heart rhythm.
Unless otherwise stated by your doctor, you may resume normal activity after your stress test.