Exercise Stress Test

Definition
This test, typically involving the patient walking on a treadmill while attached to an electrocardiogram, measures a patient's ability to exercise and the electrical waves of the heart during exercise. This test can help detect heart problems that may not be apparent at rest.

Before The Test
You should allow one hour, which includes preparation for the test, the exercise portion, and the recovery period.
Wear or bring comfortable attire and walking/running
shoes.
Refrain from eating at least two hours before the test.
This will prevent the possibility of nausea, which may
accompany vigorous exercise after eating.
Make your last meal light and without tea, coffee or
alcohol.
If you are currently taking any heart meditation, check
with you CCND doctor. He or she may ask you to stop
certain medications a day or two before the test. This can
help-get more accurate test results.
Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the
test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel
free to ask any questions about the procedure.
Several areas on your chest and shoulders will be
cleansed with alcohol and an abrasive pad will be used to
prepare the skin for the electrodes (small sticky patch).
Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved, to
ensure that the electrodes stay in place.

After The Test
After the exercise portion of the test is over, you will still
be monitored for another 5 to 10 minutes while you
recover. The medical assistant or nurse will remove the
electrodes and cleanse the electrode sites.
The doctor conducting the test can give you results before
you leave. A complete interpretation will be sent to your
referring physician.
If the test is abnormal or inconclusive, then additional tests
may be ordered.
The information gained from the exercise test helps your
doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a
treatment plan that is best for you.

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