Overview
An exercise stress test, also called an exercise tolerance test (ETT), records an ECG while you walk on a treadmill at increasing speed and slope. Exercise makes the heart work harder, which can reveal problems that are not seen at rest.
Why it is done
- To look for signs of coronary artery disease
- To investigate chest pain or breathlessness on exertion
- To assess exercise capacity and guide treatment
- To check for rhythm problems triggered by exercise
Before the test
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Avoid a heavy meal, caffeine and smoking for a few hours beforehand. Your doctor may ask you to stop some heart medicines before the test.
During the test
Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest and your blood pressure is checked regularly. The test continues until you reach a target heart rate or develop symptoms, usually after 10 to 15 minutes of exercise.
After the test
You rest while your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. You can usually go home straight away and return to normal activities.
Risks
The test is supervised by trained staff. Rarely, it may trigger chest pain, an irregular heartbeat or fainting, which are treated immediately.
At KIH
KIH's cardiology service provides ECG recordings and exercise testing, alongside ambulatory blood-pressure and heart-rhythm monitoring.
This information is for general education. Your doctor will explain whether this treatment is suitable for you, and its benefits and risks. For a medical emergency, call +92-51-8446666 or go to the nearest emergency department.
