Tuesday, July 31, 2012

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.







Tags: stress test, exercise stress, exercise stress test, blood pressure, Exercise stress tests, stress tests