A treadmill test is used to measure how your heart performs during physical activity. It can help diagnose any abnormalities related to the heart or your fitness level in general. It is also known as the cardiac stress test or exercise stress test. These tests are very common when it comes to monitoring cardiac health and are also a part of regular checkups in the elderly and sportspersons.
Why Is A Treadmill Test Needed?
The treadmill test is often a part of the first line of testing when it comes to any symptoms that could indicate a heart condition. So, if you visit your cardiologist with complaints of the following, you can expect to be advised to get a treadmill test:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Unexplained fatigue or weakness
- History of heart disease or heart attack
- Family history of heart disease
- High blood pressure or high cholesterol
- Diabetes
- Smoking or other risk factors for heart disease
A treadmill test can also be done before surgeries, by insurance companies, before starting certain medications, etc.
How Is A Treadmill Test Done?
- To prepare for the test, you may be advised to lead a normal day or abstain from caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and certain medications – this depends on what the doctor needs to observe during the cardiac test.
- On the day of the surgery, be well-rested, eat a full meal at least 2 hours beforehand, and wear comfortable clothing and footwear.
- Once you are in the test center, they will ask you to step up on the treadmill and stick electrodes to your chest, arms, and legs to record your heart’s electrical activity.
- They will slowly turn on the treadmill and you will start to walk. The pace and the inclination will gradually increase.
- During the test, the technician will monitor your heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, and fatigue.
- It usually continues until you are completely exhausted or can also be terminated early if you experience chest pain or an anomaly in your vital signs.
- Once the test is done, you will relax under observation and can go home once your vital signs return to baseline.
- Depending on what the results show, the doctor can give you clearance or suggest you a course of treatment or advise further tests to pin point the condition.