What is Treadmill Stress Test?
A treadmill stress test, also called an exercise stress test or cardiac stress test, evaluates how your heart performs during physical activity. During the test, you'll walk on a treadmill that gradually increases in speed and incline while medical staff monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and how tired you feel. The test shows whether your heart receives adequate blood flow during exercise and helps identify heart problems that might not be apparent when you're at rest. It's one of the most common cardiac tests because it provides valuable information in a straightforward, non-invasive way.
Why is it Performed?
Doctors order treadmill stress tests for several important reasons. You might need one if you're experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness, particularly during physical activity. The test helps diagnose coronary artery disease, assess the severity of known heart problems, evaluate the effectiveness of cardiac treatments or medications, and determine safe exercise levels for rehabilitation programs. It's also used to screen people at high risk for heart disease, even without symptoms. The test can reveal dangerous heart rhythm problems that only occur during exertion and help predict your risk of future cardiac events.
What to Expect
Before starting, a technician will attach electrodes to your chest to monitor your heart's electrical activity throughout the test. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm for periodic measurements. You'll begin walking slowly on the treadmill, and every few minutes, the speed and incline will increase, making you work progressively harder. The goal is to exercise until you reach your target heart rate or until you develop symptoms that require stopping. Medical staff will constantly monitor you and ask how you're feeling. Most people exercise for 8-12 minutes, though this varies based on fitness level and symptoms. The test ends when you reach your target heart rate, become too tired to continue, develop concerning symptoms, or show worrisome changes on the ECG. You'll then cool down with slow walking while monitoring continues for several minutes.
Preparing for Your Test
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy athletic shoes—you'll be walking and climbing, so dress as you would for a workout. Don't eat a heavy meal for at least three hours before the test, though a light snack is usually fine. Avoid caffeine on the day of your test. Continue taking your regular medications unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop them. If you use an inhaler for asthma or breathing problems, bring it to your appointment. Let the staff know about any joint problems, balance issues, or other conditions that might affect your ability to walk on a treadmill—alternative stress testing methods are available if needed.
Understanding Your Results
Your doctor will evaluate several factors: how long you were able to exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure response, any symptoms that developed, and changes on your ECG. Normal results show your heart rate and blood pressure rising appropriately with exercise, no chest pain or significant shortness of breath, and no concerning changes on the ECG. Abnormal results might include chest pain during exercise, ECG changes suggesting inadequate blood flow, blood pressure that drops or rises excessively, dangerous heart rhythm problems, or inability to exercise to expected levels. Abnormal findings may lead to additional testing such as cardiac catheterization or medications to improve heart function and blood flow.
Have questions about Treadmill Stress Tests? Our experienced cardiology team is here to help. Contact Advanced Cardiovascular Specialists & Primary Care at (203) 334-2100 to schedule your appointment or discuss any concerns.
