A cardiac stress test or treadmill test is done to measure how well your heart performs during exercise. During the test you will walk on a treadmill while your blood pressure, heart rate and breathing are monitored. You will also be hooked up to an electrocardiography (ECG) machine to monitor the electrical activity of your heart. In some patients, a special medication is used instead of the treadmill. The medication makes your heart respond the same way it would during exercise. Sometimes images of your heart are taken during the test (stress echocardiogram or stress echo). Some cardiac stress tests also involve injection of contrast dye through an intravenous (IV) line. The contrast dye reaches the heart and makes for clearer images of the heart and its performance.
You may need a cardiac stress test if your doctor suspects coronary artery disease (CAD). It may also be used to determine the cause of symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. A stress test can also help predict future risk of heart attack.
The term cardiac stress test is also used interchangeably with nuclear stress test, myocardial perfusion SPECT (single proton emission computed tomography), cardiac SPECT, and stress perfusion test.
You will be asked to wear comfortable clothing and shoes. You may also be asked to avoid any caffeinated drinks for a day or so before your test. Drinking caffeine affects your heart rate and may produce an inaccurate reading. If you are having a treadmill test, you will have electrodes (small patches) attached to areas of your body. The person administering the test may shave those areas before attaching the electrodes. You will be asked to walk on the treadmill and then to walk at an accelerated pace. The ECG machine will monitor your heart to see how it responds to the “stress” of increased physical exertion.
If you are having a pharmacological stress test (medication-induced stress) you’ll receive the medication and you’ll be monitored in the same way, to see how your heart rate and blood pressure are affected by the stress.
The test usually takes about 60 minutes. Afterwards you may resume normal activities. If you had a radioactive tracer injected for an imaging cardiac stress test, you’ll need to drink plenty of fluids to flush the tracer out of your body.
Your doctor will review the results of the cardiac stress test with you and make any additional testing or treatment recommendations.
Our board-certified gynecologists are dedicated to serving you at every stage of your life, from adolescence to menopause and beyond. Whether you need treatment for common gynecological issues or advanced therapies and surgical expertise, we're here to provide comprehensive care and support.
Orthopaedic doctors at Main Line Health treat simple to complex sports and accident-related injuries as well as the painful effects of many conditions that limit your mobility and cause pain. Find an orthopaedic surgeon near me.
Palliative care at Main Line Health is a service offered to seriously ill hospitalized patients. At the request of the patient's physician, the palliative care team recommends pain and symptom management.
We offer streamlined access to a team of medical, surgical, behavioral health and support specialists, in partnership with Main Line Health LGBTQ Inclusive Care for gender-affirming care.
Receive inclusive LGBTQ+ medical care at Main Line Health in a compassionate and welcoming space at locations in the Philadelphia region.
The board-certified experts at Main Line Health can help develop treatments to control and manage your allergy and asthma symptoms.
Learn how Main Line Health pediatricians collaborate with CHOP subspecialty doctors to provide the utmost optimal care for children.
Main Line Health dentists and oral surgeons can help you keep a healthy smile for a lifetime by visiting one of our locations throughout the Philadelphia area.
