Test Preparation:
- Do not perform heavy exercise 24 hours preceding your test.
- Do not drink alcohol 12 hours prior to your test.
- Do not use caffeine (e.g., coffee) or nicotine (e.g. cigarettes) for 4 hours preceding your test.
- Do not eat any food that may cause discomfort on the day of your test.
- Wear comfortable clothing (shorts and a t-shirt) and sneakers.
- Males may need to have small sections of chest hair shaved to ensure sufficient contact with electrodes. Disposable safety razors are provided.
- Stop the following medications 24 hours prior to the Exercise stress test: Beta-blockers (Atenolol, Toprol, Metoprolol, Lopressor, Coreg, Bystolic, Zebeta, Betapace, and Corgard)
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What happens during a treadmill stress test?
- You will be prepped with a full set of EKG leads.
- You will walk on a treadmill. Every three minutes, speed and grade will increase gradually.
- Let the technician know of any chest pain or discomfort you may be having.
- The test will end when you decide it to, or when the technician has sufficient data.
What does the treadmill stress test
show?
- This test is used for a few reasons.
- It will show us if you have any changes on your EKG that may be indicative of myocardial ischemia, or blockages in your coronary arteries.
- It will also show us if you have any heart rate related issues in the electrical activity of your heart.
- It is also a good test to show exercise tolerance in developing an exercise program.