Treadmill Stress Testing

Treadmill Stress Testing is a method of cardiovascular assessment administered through exercise. LIMPA uses this examination to determine whether a patient has heart disease or any other cardiovascular related conditions. We will be able to assess any chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations during testing, and detect abnormalities in heart function.

Testing Your Heart Rate

Before testing begins, a technician will clean ten small areas on the patient’s chest, and place electrode patches on each section. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiogram monitor, also known as an EKG, which monitors the heart’s electrical activity.

Our technician will measure your heart rate and blood pressure at the beginning of the test, before the patient begins exercising. The patient’s heart rate is closely monitored as the level of activity gradually increases.

Technicians ask patients to exercise to exhaustion, ensuring an accurate reading. After the test is over, patients will walk for a few minutes to cool down and safely decrease their heart rate.

ABOUT OUR CLINIC

Treadmill stress testing provides Louisiana Internal Medicine & Pediatric Association medical professionals with a full evaluation of heart health and history. These results are an essential tool for developing an appropriate treatment in the future.

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Stress Testing Tips

Most doctors ask that patients do not eat or drink for at least three hours before the procedure. Avoiding food will reduce the chance of nausea in patients who are uncomfortable during strenuous exercise. People with diabetes who use insulin will receive individual instruction from their doctor. The doctor may ask the patient to stop taking specific heart medicines one or two days before testing. It’s recommended that patients wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. Patients should anticipate testing for about one hour.

To begin the test, a technician will clean ten small areas on the patient’s chest, and attach electrode patches on each section. The patient’s heart rate and blood pressure are noted before they begin exercising. The patient’s heart rate is closely monitored as the level of activity gradually increases. Patients will exercise to exhaustion so that the technician can get a detailed reading. At the end of the test, patients walk for a few minutes to safely decrease their heart rate.

Treadmill stress testing provides LIMPA medical professionals with a full evaluation of heart health and history. These results are an essential tool for developing an appropriate treatment in the future. The results of the test may help confirm or dispel the chance of heart disease in a patient. Patients with known coronary artery disease perform stress testing to confirm whether the patient is in a stable state, or if a new blockage is developing. Results may influence the doctor’s decision on whether to change treatment or recommend additional testing.

FAQ

HOW SAFE IS STRESS TESTING?

The risk of testing is minimal and similar to what you would expect from any strenuous form of exercise. An experienced LIMPA professional will be in attendance during testing to manage any complications. Throughout testing, the technician will monitor your levels for any unexpected fluctuations or changes.
HOW ACCURATE ARE RESULTS?

If you’re able to achieve the targeted heart rate, the treadmill stress test is capable of diagnosing severe disease in about 67% of patients. Accuracy is lowered when patients have narrowing in a single coronary artery or increased if all three major arteries are involved.
HOW WILL THE TEST FEEL?

Once the test begins some patients report feeling discomfort. However, this is similar to any stress you may feel during strenuous exercise. If a patient reports chest discomfort, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations and shortness of breath, the doctor will stop the test.
DO I NEED A STRESS TEST?

We usually recommend the test for patients experiencing chest pain or discomfort. These patients may be at risk for coronary artery disease. Stress testing is also useful to examine patients who have experienced a heart attack. Your doctor may recommend stress testing if you meet any of the criteria for patients at risk for heart conditions.