Stress Test

Your doctor might request a stress test to:

• Check for heart rhythms problems (arrhythmias)
• Diagnosis or monitor coronary artery disease.
• Evaluate the blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity.
• Determine the effectiveness of your heart medications.
• Monitor the success of procedures done to improve blood flow.
• Determine how much exercise you can safely tolerate during rehabilitation.

There are a few things you should and shouldn’t do prior to your stress test appointment:

On the day of your test

For 4 hours prior to your test:

• Do not consume caffeine including tea, coffee, decaffeinated products, chocolate, soft drinks, or medications containing caffeine.
• Eat a light breakfast or lunch only. Do not eat a large meal!
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not smoke.

Remember to:

• • Bring all your medications with you in the original bottles.
  • Do not wear a nitro patch.
  • If you are a diabetic on insulin: Take 1/2 of your normal insulin dose (the exercise will lower your blood sugar)
  • Do not apply any lotions, creams, or powders to the chest area.
  • Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and athletic shoes.

A stress test is performed by a certified technician.

1. You’ll be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and be given a gown to wear.
2. Several small electrode stickers (sensors) will be attached to your chest. These will be connected to a machine that monitors your heartbeat during the test (ECG).
3. A cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure during the test.
4. You’ll then exercise on a treadmill, starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity.
5. You’ll continue to exercise until you reach your target heart rate (varies depending on your age & fitness level) – Approx 10 to 15 minutes or until you have signs and symptoms that don’t allow you to continue.
6. After you stop exercising, you may be asked to stand still for several seconds then lie down on the exam table with the monitors in place.