If you are experiencing certain symptoms, such as fatigue, chest pain and/or dizziness, your doctor may want to evaluate your cardiovascular fitness by recommending that you undergo a treadmill fitness, or stress test. Also known as an exercise stress test, your doctor can use results gleaned from it to determine possible cardiac implications, as well as to make decisions regarding your cardiac care.
Indications For the Test
Particularly if you are over 40 years of age and have risk factors related to the development of heart disease, your doctor may feel that a treadmill exercise test is warranted. Risk factors for heart disease include lifestyle habits, such as smoking or being sedentary; a family history of the disease and high blood pressure. Your doctor may also order the test if you are experiencing some of the telltale symptoms of cardiac disease, such as chest discomfort and shortness of breath. Whatever the indication, undergoing exercise stress testing provides valuable data for your doctor to use in determining your heart's response to physical exertion.
Preparation
In addition to wearing comfortable clothing and tennis shoes, there are other preparations to consider the day of your treadmill stress test. You can eat normally on the day of the test; however, four hours prior to your appointment, you should limit yourself to only water. Avoid stimulants, such as caffeine and nicotine, on the day of your test to avoid an unreliable result. Remember that over-the-counter medications can contain hidden stimulant ingredients, so it is best to avoid these on the day of your test. Take prescriptions as your normally would unless your doctor recommends otherwise.
The Testing Process
At the beginning of the test, a medical technician will apply electrodes to your legs, chest and arms. She will also apply a blood pressure cuff to your arm. At that time, she will take a baseline measurement of your blood pressure and heart function. You will begin walking slowly on the treadmill. The technician will increase the treadmill's speed, and possibly its incline, at intervals throughout the test while measuring and recording your heart's response to increased physical exertion. You may ask to stop the test at any time if you feel unable to continue. At the conclusion of the test, you will rest for as long as it takes to return your blood pressure and heart rate to baseline, and you will be allowed to go home.
Your Results
Hopefully your doctor, after evaluating your test results, will give you a clean bill of cardiac health. However, the test may reveal otherwise in your case. Results from your treadmill stress test help your doctor determine if you have, or are at risk for developing, heart disease and associated cardiac issues. The test may also uncover an abnormal disruption in your heart's rate or its rhythm. If you are already a cardiac patient who has undergone interventions to avoid the consequences of heart disease, your test results may provide your doctor with information regarding the effectiveness of those interventions. If any of these situations pertains to you, you and your doctor will discuss appropriate interventions if necessary.
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