What to Expect During a Treadmill Test

A stress test often involves walking or jogging on a treadmill.

An exercise stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test, is a screening test that measures the impact of exercising on your heart. Exercise stress tests are usually performed on a treadmill or a similar exercise machine.

Preparation

You will not be permitted to eat, smoke, or drink alcoholic or caffeinated beverages for three hours prior to the exercise stress test. Wear clothes and shoes that you can exercise in.

Process

Electrodes will be attached to your arms, legs and chest to monitor the activity of your heart. You will also have a blood pressure cuff on your arm. You will walk on a treadmill and gradually increase your pace.

Side Effects

On rare occasions, people will experience dizziness, chest discomfort, heart palpitations or shortness of breath during an exercise stress test.

After the Test

After the stress exercise test, you will sit or lie down while your blood pressure is measured.

Purpose

Exercise stress tests can be performed for a variety of reasons, including to diagnose coronary heart disease, to determine a safe level of exercise or to predict the risk of heart-related conditions.

References

• Medline Plus: Exercise Stress Test
• American Heart Association: Exercise Stress Test