Preparation for the test.

  • Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable rubber-soled shoes for walking on the treadmill.
  • Please do not eat for four (4) hours prior to the exam.
  • Some medicines (such as drugs known as Beta-blockers) work to keep your heart rate from rising normally. You may be asked to withhold a dose or two of these medicines prior to your test. Any other medicines may be taken as you normally do with small sips of water or juice.
    If you are uncertain if you should take any of your medicines, please contact your doctor.

    • When and how will I learn the results of my test?

    Please check with your doctor’s office to find out how the test results will be communicated to you. If your doctor is present when the exam is performed, you may receive some preliminary results shortly after the test is completed. Otherwise, it may take a few days for your doctor or another doctor to review the test results.

    A Treadmill Exercise Test...

    ...can tell your doctor:

  • if your heart responds appropriately to exercise
  • your exercise capacity
  • if you have Coronary Artery Disease (blockages of blood vessels to your heart)
  • the current status of a known heart problem

    • Is a Stress Test safe?

    A small amount of risk exists with the exercise portion of the test since it stresses your heart. Experienced personnel will be with you throughout your exam to handle any emergency that might arise.

    Links to some additional information sources.

    Patient Information - American Heart Association

    Patient Information - WebMD

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