Exercise Treadmill Stress Test

Basic Facts:

  • Most commonly referred to as a "stress test", it involves walking on a treadmill while being monitored. 
  • Stress tests can be used for a variety of reasons such as:
    • Looking for blockages in the heart arteries
    • Understanding the prognosis of someone diagnosed with heart disease
    • Determining the severity of heart valve disease
    • Understanding the cardiac risk before a surgical procedure
    • Looking for heart rhythm abnormalities that might be related to exercise

  • Wear comfortable two-piece exercise clothing and rubber-soled shoes. The skin of the chest should otherwise be easily accessible and free of lotions or oils. Sports bras are fine, but NO underwire bras. 

  • If a patient is taking a beta-blocker or other medication that slows heart rate, it should be held for 24 hours prior, unless specified by their ordering provider. (Common examples include carvedilol, metoprolol, atenolol, and diltiazem). 

  • The patient can drive themself to and from the office for the appointment.   

  1. This test is performed by a cardiac technician trained in stress testing. 

  1. The skin of the chest is cleaned and prepped and ECG leads are placed. Baseline blood pressure and ECG are taken.  

  1. Starting at a walking pace and a slight incline, the treadmill will then increase its speed and incline until the patient becomes fatigued, a specific heart rate goal is achieved, or symptoms occur.  

  1. During which the cardiac technician is monitoring the ECG, blood pressure, and for any symptoms. 

  1. Once this stress portion is complete, the patient will rest and be monitored for at least another 5 minutes or until the heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline. 

  1. The entire appointment lasts about 45 minutes.  

For instructions on what to expect for a Exercise Treadmill Stress Test, click here.

For instructions on what to expect for an MPI Stress Test- lexiscan, click here.

For instructions on what to expect for an MPI Stress Test- exercise, click here.

For instructions on what to expect for a Stress Echo, click here.

There are no post-test restrictions for this test. After the procedure, the patient can leave and go about their day. 

Virginia Heart Care Team will contact the patient with specifics regarding results.