Exercise Stress Test

What is it?

An exercise stress test is a common test that doctors use to diagnose coronary artery disease. The test helps doctors see how the heart performs during exercise. You may also hear exercise stress tests called exercise tolerance tests, regular stress tests, or standard treadmill tests. When these tests are done, doctors can tell more about blood flow of the heart and how your heart performs during exercise.

How does it work?

During a stress test, you will wear small metal disks called electrodes. The electrodes are connected to wires called leads, which are connected to a machine with a television monitor that records the electrical activity of your heart (EKG).  By watching this screen, the stress lab staff can monitor every heartbeat while you are exercising.

What should I expect?

Do not eat or drink for 4 hours before the test.  Also, be sure to ask your doctor about any medicines you are taking and whether you should stop taking them before the test.

The appointment should not take more than 1-1 ½ hours to complete. 

Once you arrive in the stress lab area, your medications will be reviewed, you will sign a consent form and be prepared for the exercise testing.

A technician will use an alcohol swab to clean the areas of your skin where the electrodes will be placed.  The alcohol may feel cold.  Next, electrodes will be placed on your chest. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph machine, which records your heart’s electrical activity. A healthy person’s electrocardiogram has a certain pattern, and changes in that pattern can tell doctors if there is a problem with your heart.

You will also wear a blood pressure cuff around your arm, which will be used to watch your blood pressure during the test.

Before the test, the stress lab staff will record your blood pressure and heart rate. They will also record your heart’s electrical activity before you start exercising (called a resting EKG). You will also wear the electrodes during exercise and have multiple EKG’s printed and many blood pressure checks.

During the test, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill.  The stress lab staff will increase the speed and slope of the treadmill which will make you feel like you are walking uphill.  The stress lab staff will look for changes in the electrocardiogram patterns and blood pressure levels, which may tell doctors that your heart is not getting enough oxygen. Other signs of coronary artery disease include chest pain or unusual shortness of breath while you are exercising.  At the end of the test, you will have a brief cool-down phase prior to completion.

After the test is over, you may eat, drink, and go back to your normal activities.