Exercise Tolerance Testing

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Exercise Tolerance Testing
Category
Cardiac

An Exercise Stress Test is a non-invasive testing method of detecting heart disease which may otherwise not be evident without exercise. A resting ECG is done before exercise. The patient will be asked to complete exercise on a treadmill, while their ECG, heart rate and blood pressure are recorded.

After the treadmill exercise test the patient will be moved back to the patient bed while they recover. After the test, the patient may return to their normal routine. Patients should ask the doctor about taking any medicine that they were told to skip before the test.

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Why do I need this test?

This test is most commonly used to investigate chest pain or angina symptoms, to help diagnose any underlying coronary artery disease (blocked arteries), or to exclude ischemia heart disease. The procedure may be used to assess cardiovascular fitness.

What to expect?

Electrode dots are placed on your skin. Chest hair may need to be shaved off a small area. You will be asked to lie down on the examination bench.

​You will then need to walk on the treadmill to increase the stress on your heart. The treadmill will increase in speed and slope every few minutes, to achieve your maximal workload. At that point, the treadmill will be stopped, and you can then return to the examination bench to recover.

Any abnormalities of the blood pressure or ECG tracings will be recorded. You should also report any symptoms you experience to the supervising staff. You may ask to stop the test at any time.

What are the risks?

​For the exercise component, you may encounter some side effects such as;

  • Shortness of breath
  • Minor chest discomfort
  • Dizziness
  • Palpitations; and
  • Muscle fatigue

 

If these symptoms are a concern the test will be stopped.

Serious complications such as heart attack, and life-threatening heart rhythm disturbances are rare (less than 1%).

You will be monitored closely by the medical team during your test. You may need to wait for some time after the test before driving if you feel unwell or require monitoring.

Preparation Details

(Approximately 30 – 45 minutes duration).

You will be required to wear clothing and footwear suitable for exercise. The procedure will require you to remove the clothing from your upper body. A gown will be provided for you to change into.

Do not drink beverages containing caffeine 3 hours before your test (including Tea/Coffee/Cola/Energy drinks).

You should avoid a heavy meal for at least 3 hours before your test.

Do not smoke 3 hours before the test.

If your medications include beta blockers and selected calcium channel blockers these are to be stopped 24 hours before your test unless otherwise advised by the doctor. Please discuss this with your doctor, or call the Clinic if you are unsure.

What Happens After The Test?

The results of the exercise stress test will be made available to your referring medical practitioner.

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