Tracking your heart's response to exercise

What is an Exercise Stress Test?

An exercise stress test is also called a stress electrocardiogram (stress ECG or EKG). It records your heartbeat while you walk on a treadmill. This test helps your doctor evaluate the cause of chest pain. It also measures the strength of your heart after a heart attack or surgery. Don't worry about having to exercise. The stress test measures your heart, not your athletic ability.

Before your Stress test

When you schedule the test, be sure to mention what medicines you take. Ask if you should take any before the test. Don't eat, drink, smoke or have any caffeine (coffee, tea, chocolate, cola and some over-the-counter pain relievers may contain caffeine) for three hours before your test. If you are diabetic, ask what you may eat before the test. Sips of water are okay. Make sure you wear walking shoes and a two piece outfit as you may need to undress from the waist up and put on a short hospital gown. Although you don't have to exercise for long, the entire test takes about 30 minutes.

During your Test

Small electrodes (pads) are placed on your upper body to monitor your heart rate. Then you are shown how to use the treadmill. You need to exercise for several minutes. The exercise is very easy at first. It then gets slowly and progressively harder. You should exercise for as long as possible. Your heartbeat and blood pressure are monitored during and after the test. Be sure to report any symptoms you feel during the test such as chest, arm or jaw discomfort; severe shortness of breath, fatigue, dizziness, leg cramps and soreness.

After your Test

As soon as the test is over, you may eat and return to your normal routine. Ask your doctor or technician about taking any medicine that you were told to skip before the test.