Stress Test

An exercise stress test is a screening tool used to test the effect of exercise on your heart. The test involves exercising to your maximal effort on a treadmill while your blood pressure, heart rate and rhythm are closely monitored.

Why is this test performed?

This test will help your care team:

Determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease
Identify abnormal heart rhythms
Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan
Help you develop a safe exercise program

Can I eat or drink on the day of the test?

Yes.
DO NOT SMOKE OR USE MARIJUANA ON THE DAY OF THE TEST, as this will interfere with the results of your test.

Discontinue medications as directed by your physician

These medications may include:
Coreg, Toprol, Lopressor, Metoprolol, Atenolol, Tenormin, Inderal, Propranolol, Diltiazem, Cartia, Verapamil, Diltia XT, Cardizem, Dilacor, Calan

Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your physician.

Guidelines For People With Diabetes

If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, ask your physician what amount of your medication you should take the day of the test. Often, your physician will tell you to take only half of your usual morning dose and to eat a light meal 4 hours before the test. If you take pills to control your blood sugar, do not take your medication until after the test is complete.

Do not take your diabetes medication and skip a meal before the test.

If you own a glucose monitor, bring it with you to check your blood sugar levels before and after your test. If you think your blood sugar is low, tell the lab personnel immediately. Plan to eat and take your diabetes medication following your test.

What should I wear on the day of the test?

Please avoid wearing 1 piece dress or overalls and wear or bring comfortable clothes and shoes for walking.

What happens during the test?

Your test will take place in the EvergreenHealth Cardiovascular Imaging Center and will be supervised by a registered nurse or exercise physiologist.

Your chest will be prepared with alcohol (shaving may be required) and 10 electrodes will be placed. The electrodes are attached to a Stress EKG monitor that charts your heart’s electrical activity during the test.

Before you start exercising, we will perform a resting EKG, measure your resting heart rate and take your blood pressure.

Once preparations are complete, the lab personnel will ask you to start exercising and will gradually increase the intensity of exercise. You will be asked to continue exercising until you are at your maximum level of capacity.

As the test progresses, the lab personnel will ask how you are feeling. Please tell them if you feel chest, arm or jaw pain or discomfort; shortness of breath, dizziness, lightheadedness or if you have any other unusual symptoms.

The lab personnel will watch for any changes with your blood pressure or EKG that suggests the test should be stopped.

After the test, we will continue to monitor your heart rate, blood pressure and EKG until you have returned to your normal.

How will I feel during the test?

You will be encouraged to exercise until you are exhausted. It is normal for your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and perspiration to increase.