Stress Test
Why is
the doctor performing this test?
To
evaluate exercise tolerance and determine if there is narrowing in an
artery leading to the heart muscle—a warning sign of a possible heart
attack. By comparing the electrical activity of the heart before, during,
and after physical exercise, your doctor can determine how well the heart
muscle is functioning during increased stress.
 What is the test?
At the
start of the test, your doctor places approximately 10 electrode patches on
the skin of your arms, legs and chest (sometimes it is necessary to shave
small areas of body hair in order to get a good reading). These electrode
patches are hooked up to the electrocardiography machine, which displays
the electrical activity of your heart. All the while, your blood pressure
is monitored as well.
Your
doctor will first take an EKG reading while you are at rest. Then, you will
be asked to exercise on a treadmill (a stationary bike can also be used).
The exercise will begin with a slow walk, then
steadily the speed and incline will change to increase the workload on the
heart. If at any time you feel faint, fatigue, short of breath, or
experience chest pain, IMMEDIATELY alert the doctor and the test will stop.
EKG measurements will be taken continuously while you are exercising. Once
you have reached a pre-determined, optimum heart rate (based on height,
weight, gender, etc.), the procedure will end.
You
will then relax in a “cool down” period, while EKG measurements
continue to be taken.
Where
is the test performed?
In the
Non-Invasive Cardiology Testing Center and the cardiac rehab facility or in
your doctor’s office.
How
long does this test take?
A stress
test varies in length depending on how long it takes to reach your optimum
heart rate, and whether or not the test is terminated early due to fatigue,
shortness of breath or chest pain. Usually, if the test is completed
without a stoppage, it takes about 30 minutes:
- 5 minutes for an EKG at rest
- 15 minutes of exercising on
the treadmill measuring the heart’s activity at stress
- 7 – 10 minutes
measuring activity during the “cool down” period
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