What is an exercise stress test?
An exercise stress test is used to:
- Find problems with your heartbeat (rate and rhythm).
- Check for heart disease.
- Check how well your plan of care is working.
- Help you make an exercise plan.
Medications before the test
Talk to your doctor about taking medications before the test.
- You may need to make changes to what or how much you take. This includes diabetes medications.
- Do not stop to make any changes before you talk to your doctor.
Eating and drinking before the test
- Do not eat or drink anything that has caffeine in it for one day (24 hours) before your test.
- Examples: Coffee, tea, soda, chocolate, energy drinks.
Day of the test
- Take all medicine like your doctor tells you to. Bring your medications and inhaler (if you use one).
- Do not eat or drink anything except water for 4 hours before your test.
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
- Do not smoke or use nicotine products.
What happens during the test?
- Small, sticky patches are put on your chest to record your heartbeat (rate and rhythm).
- Your heart rate and blood pressure will be checked before and during the test.
- You will exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.
- You will start slow and work harder as the test goes on.
- You may sweat and feel tired.
- You will exercise until you are very tired and need to stop.
- You will not exercise the whole time.
How long does the test take?
- The appointment will take about an hour.
How do I get the test results?
- Your doctor will talk to you about the results of your test.
