Stress Test

What is a stress test?

A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps your doctor find out how well your heart handles its workload. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more fuel and your heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if there’s a lack of blood supply through the arteries that go to the heart. Taking a stress test also helps your doctor know the kind and level of physical activity that’s right for you.

Why do people need stress tests?

Doctors use exercise stress tests to find out:

• If you have an irregular heartbeat.
• If your symptoms (such as chest pain or difficulty breathing) are related to your heart.
• How hard you should exercise when you are joining a cardiac rehabilitation program or starting an exercise program.
• If treatments you have received for heart disease are working.
• If you need other tests (such as a coronary angiogram) to detect narrowed arteries.

How is a stress test performed?

You will be connected to equipment that monitors your heart. You walk slowly in place on the treadmill. It tilts so you feel like you’re walking up a small hill and it changes speeds to make you walk faster. You may be asked to breathe into a tube for a couple of minutes. You can stop the test at any time if you need to.

After slowing down for a few minutes, you’ll sit or lie down and your heart and blood pressure will be checked.

How do I prepare for a stress test?

Tell your doctor about any medicines (including over-the-counter, herbs and vitamins) you take. He or she may ask you not to take them before the test. Don’t stop taking them unless your doctor says to. 

You may be asked not to eat, drink or smoke for two to four hours before the test. You may drink water. 

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and walking shoes with rubber soles. Shorts or sweatpants and jogging or tennis shoes are good choices.

Heart Services Are Nearby

If you have any symptoms of heart attack or stroke, call 911. Do not drive yourself to the hospital. EMTs can begin life-saving care immediately before you reach the hospital.

For more information, contact your primary care provider or Traverse Heart and Vascular at 800-637-4033.