What to expect during a Cardiac Stress Test?

What to expect during a Cardiac Stress Test?

Cardiac stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, stress test, or treadmill test, is performed to examine the heart’s functioning during physical activity. During this test, you walk on a treadmill, and the cardiac nurse or a technician monitors your heart’s ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure symptoms during and following the exercise. 

As your body demands more oxygen during an exercise, the heart pumps more blood to compensate the demand. Indirectly, this test identifies any decrease in blood supply or any blockage in the arteries in such cases.

Before the test

You will be asked not to take or drink anything except water for 2 hours before the test. In addition, you are advised to:

• avoid caffeine the day before and on the day of the test as it may affect the test results
• avoid smoking
• wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes 

Before taking the test, inform your doctor if you are taking any medications or using an inhaler and discuss any concerns regarding the test. 

During the test

The test may take about an hour including both the preparation time and the actual test. During the test, electrodes are placed on the chest (which appear as sticky patches) and a blood pressure cuff (monitor) around the arm. ECG will be recorded at baseline and during exercise.

You will be asked to walk on the treadmill at a slow pace initially and speed and slope will be increased as per protocol. The treadmill is tilted to provide the effect of going on a small hill. Heart rate, rhythm, respiratory rate, and blood pressure are continuously monitored during the test. The nurse or technician stops the test when you exhibit intolerable symptoms such as chest pain or concerning high blood pressure, or when test parameters are reached. You may also ask to stop the test if you are not comfortable.   

After the test

You will be notified about the test results within a short time. If the tests are normal, you may be advised for follow-up care and in case of abnormal results, you will be advised to see a cardiologist as soon as possible. 

Inputs by Dr. Sanjeev Kalkekar, Consultant Interventional Cardiology at Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai