Your doctor may suggest an electrocardiogram to check for and study heart conditions including heart failure, heart attack and arrhythmia, or irregular heartbeat. An electrocardiogram uses electrical signals to measure the function and strength of your heart. Many times heart conditions can go undetected during a traditional EKG. As a result, many doctors will order an EKG treadmill test.
EKG Treadmill Test
An EKG treadmill test records your heart activity during exercise. Your doctor will have you walk on a treadmill as the EKG machine measures the activity of your heart. This test will show how quickly your heart is beating, if your heartbeat is regular and the strength of different portions of your heart.
Prepare Yourself
Prior to your test you may eat a light meal -- try to eat at least two hours before the scheduled start time of your test. Take your medications as directed by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you what medications you can and cannot take prior to your test day. It is important to wear sneakers and comfortable clothing, as you will be participating in brief exercise. Remember to bring any medical history forms requested of you and bring a list of your current medications to your EKG treadmill test.
What to Expect
Before starting the test, a technician will explain the test and ask you to sign a consent form. A technician will then attach electrodes to your chest area -- these will appear to be small, sticky circles or squares with thin wires hanging from them. Your blood pressure will also be recorded. You will then be asked to walk at different speeds. Along the way, you will be asked to increase the speed at which you are walking. This test should last approximately 15 minutes. Your vital signs will be taken again approximately 10 minutes after the end of the test.
Reasons for Test Stoppage
The technician or a present doctor or nurse can stop the test at any time. A stoppage in testing can occur if you have reached a particular pulse rate. The test can also be stopped if enough information has been gathered to make a diagnosis. Alert the technician if you become exhausted, experience shortness of breath or are experiencing chest pains. This will also stop the test.
Follow Up
Test results are not normally readily available following your EKG treadmill test. A cardiologist will review the information gathered during your test and forward the results along to the physician who ordered your test. Normally within a few days, your physician will have you come in for a follow up or contact you by phone to review the results.
