Treadmill cardiac testing is also called a cardiac stress test, or exercise ECG. The cardiac treadmill test is used as a diagnostic tool to measure electrical activity and determine if your heart is getting enough blood flow and oxygen as it works hard, says Harvard Medical School.
Reasons
People usually undergo a cardiac stress test for one of a handful of different reasons. In some cases, your doctor will want to determine whether or not you have had a heart attack, or if the stage is set and a heart attack is developing. The doctor may also want to figure out the exercise capacity of your heart or get to the bottom of any chest pains you may have been experiencing. Irregular heartbeats are also a good reason to take the test.
Preparation
To prepare for your test, you will likely be instructed not to eat or drink past midnight the night before. You should ask your doctor about any medications you take regularly to be sure they are okay for the test. Wear comfortable shoes and clothing to make your time on the treadmill more tolerable.
The cardiac stress test is designed to measure your heart's reaction to the increased need for oxygen by your body as you walk on the treadmill. The treadmill will increase in speed and the incline will gradually be raised until you reach a predetermined target heart rate. Your heart rate will continue to be monitored for 10 to 15 minutes after the test is complete, or until it returns to its baseline level.
Details
Before you begin your stress test, electrodes are placed on your chest to read your heart rate as you go. Plastic coated wires must be taped to your arms and one leg to monitor the electrical activity, says Harvard Medical School. Your baseline heart rate and blood pressure are taken and then you start walking.
Considerations
The cardiac treadmill test is usually safe, but some patients do have occurrences of fainting or collapsing as the test progresses. It is very rare for a patient to have a heart attack during the test. It is important to let the doctor or technicians know if you begin to experience chest pain or extreme shortness of breath while you are taking the test.
