Test Preparation:

  1. Do not perform heavy exercise 24 hours preceding your test.
  2. Do not drink alcohol 12 hours prior to your test.
  3. Do not use caffeine (e.g., coffee) or nicotine (e.g. cigarettes) for 4 hours preceding your test.
  4. Do not eat any food that may cause discomfort on the day of your test.
  5. Wear comfortable clothing (shorts and a t-shirt) and sneakers.
  6. Males may need to have small sections of chest hair shaved to ensure sufficient contact with electrodes. Disposable safety razors are provided.
  7. 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?

  1. You will be prepped with a full set of EKG leads.
  2. You will walk on a treadmill. Every three minutes, speed and grade will increase gradually.
  3. Let the technician know of any chest pain or discomfort you may be having.
  4. The test will end when you decide it to, or when the technician has sufficient data.


What does the treadmill stress test show?

  1. This test is used for a few reasons.
  2. 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.
  3. It will also show us if you have any heart rate related issues in the electrical activity of your heart.
  4. It is also a good test to show exercise tolerance in developing an exercise program.