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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