Understanding Treadmill Tests: Preparation & What to Expect

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.