Treadmill Exercise Cardiology What is a Treadmill Exercise Test? A treadmill exercise test involves walking on a treadmill with continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring. The test will take approximately an hour including preparation and post-test recovery. What is the purpose of this test? A treadmill exercise test will assess the response of your heart to exercise or stress. It is a well proven and non-invasive method to assess ischemic heart disease (blocked heart arteries), to determine a person’s fitness level and detect exercise-induced irregular heart rhythms.
Preparation before the test 1. Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before the test. 2. Wear comfortable exercise attire and shoes. 3. Medications that slows down the heart rate (e.g. atenolol, bisoprolol, diltiazem), should be omitted 1 to 2 days prior to the test. Please check with your doctor. 4. Please reschedule your test if you are unwell e.g. flu, fever 5. Male patients are required to shave their chest hair. How is the test done? ECG electrodes will be placed on your chest for ECG and blood pressure cuff on your arm for monitoring throughout the test. You are required to exercise on the treadmill machine and the speed and gradient will increase every three minutes.
Adequacy of exercise is determined by the patient reaching a certain target heart rate calculated based on age, as well as adequate level of workload. Most healthy individuals can exercise for nine to 12 minutes. You should inform the doctor or medical technologist to stop the treadmill in the event of any discomfort e.g. chest pain/tightness, breathlessness, headache or giddiness or general unwell. You will be monitored for another five to ten minutes after the exercise. The treadmill report will be reviewed later by a cardiologist and the final report will be ready by your next clinic appointment. Is the test safe? The test is generally safe. There is a small risk of complication involved in doing the exercise test (1:10, 000).
Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
CARDIO.PE.07.0318