Stress ECG – Exercise Stress Test

STRESS ECG – EXERCISE STRESS TEST

What is an Exercise Stress Test?

An exercise stress test is used to investigate the function of your heart during physical activity. Exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster and reveal problems with blood flow within your heart. Although you heart may not show any signs of problems at rest, it may show during exercise. Your doctor may refer you for an exercise stress test if you have signs or symptoms of coronary heart disease or an irregular heart rhythm. An exercise stress test can also be used to access the effectiveness of treatment for a previously diagnosed heart condition.

In the initial stage of your test, your heart electrical activity and blood pressure will be measured at rest prior to exercise. The treadmill will start at a slow walking pace and will increase its speed and incline at set intervals until the desired heart rate is reached. Your ECG and Blood pressure as well as symptoms will be monitored during the exercise. Once target heart rate is reached the treadmill will stop and measured data will be compared to the one measured at rest. The moni- toring will continue in recovery for several minutes or as required.

How do I prepare for my Stress ECG appointment?

Please wear comfortable footwear and clothing as you will be required to walk on the treadmill. Do not eat or drink 2 hours prior to your test and allow at least 30 min for your appointment.

You will be required to sign a consent form provided by our staff at your appointment or requested prior.

Please cease the following medications prior to your test:

Stress ECG Requirements

Applicant should have been continuously in the time zone where testing is performed for at least 72 hours prior to the test

Applicants should normally cease taking any beta-blocker 48 hours prior to the stress test unless the medication is used to treat known ischaemic heart disease or a significant arrhythmia. When a beta-blocker is not so ceased prior to stress testing an applicant, an explanation of the reason is required from the treating or investigating cardiologist who supervises the stress test.

An exercise echocardiogram provides additional information over a stress ECG test, so may be considered by applicants as a primary screening test (dependent on local availability and cost)”

STOP 2 FULL DAYS BEFORE DAY OF TEST

Alprenolol (Aptin)
Atenolol (Tenormin, Noten)
Bisoprolol (Bicor)
Metoprolol (Betaloc, Lopressor, Minax)
Oxprenolol (Corbeton, Trasicor)
Prindolol (Barbloc, Visken)
Propnanolol (Deralin, Inderal, Cardinol)
Timolol (Blocadren)

STOP 1 FULL DAY BEFORE DAY OF TEST

How do I get my results?

Data analysis and final report is generally completed during the test by your attending cardiolo- gist. The investigations and final report are then sent to your referring doctor on the same day.

CARDIOLOGY CENTRE