An exercise Stress test also called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. the test measures your ability to exercise and shows the electrical waves of your heart during exercise. This test can help detect heart problems that may not be apparent at rest. Learn everything there is to know about this test.
Before The Test:
You should plan about one hour for this test, which includes preparation for the test, the exercise portion, and the recovery period.
Wear comfortable clothing on the day of the test. Be sure to wear or bring walking shoes (i.e. tennis shoes). Wear a loose-fitting shirt, preferably a button-down. NO silk or satin material, long sleeves shirts, underwire bra’s, or dresses.
Make your last meal light and without tea, coffee, or alcohol.
Nothing to eat 2-3 hours before testing
No products containing caffeine 8 hours prior to testing. No decaf products or chocolate.
No tobacco products 8 hours prior to testing
Stop taking any heart medication or blood pressure medication 24 hours before the test.
Do not take ANY beta-blockers on the day of the test – Metoprolol, Carvedilol, Sotalol, Bisoprolol, Atenolol, Propranolol, Betaxolol, Nadolol, Nebivolol, etc.
Make sure to shower and clean the chest area thoroughly the morning of the test. DO NOT use lotion, perfume, or powder on the chest area on the day of the test.
Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions about the test.
Several areas on your chest and shoulders will be cleansed with alcohol and an abrasive pad will be used to prepare the skin for the electrodes (small sticky patch). Men may need to have areas of their chest shaved, to ensure that the electrodes stay in place.
After The Test:
After the exercise portion of the test is over, you will still be monitored for another 5 to 10 minutes while you recover. The technician will remove the electrodes and cleanse the electrode sites.
Medications can be resumed once discharged from the office.
Your doctor or your doctor's nurse will contact you to give you the test results.
A complete interpretation will be sent to your referring physician.
If the test is abnormal or inconclusive, then additional tests may be ordered. The information gained from the exercise test helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that is best for you.
If you have any questions or concerns before or after your test please feel free to call our staff at 951.352.3937 or email at cardiology@csmedicalgroup.com.
The information contained in this web site is presented for information purposes only, and is not intended to substitute in any way a consultation with a physician or competent healthcare professional for medical diagnosis and/or treatment.
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Cardiology Specialists Medical Group is a group of 10 Cardiologists in the Inland Empire, California. CSMG offers general cardiology, Electrophysiology, EP studies, and Interventional cardiology with the newest non-invasive procedures in the area.
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