ECG Stress Test, Heart Function Examination with a Treadmill

An ECG stress test, also called a heart stress test, is an examination performed by a doctor to find out how your heart responds to pressure during physical activity. Usually, this test is done to assess the severity of coronary artery disease and to know one's physical fitness. In general, ECG stress tests are a safe and painless procedure to measure how well your heart is functioning. Check out the ECG stress test below.

What is the purpose of performing an ECG stress test?

The purpose of ECG stress testing is carried out including:

• See blood intake flowing to the heart when doing physical activity
• Detect heart rhythm abnormalities and electrical activity in the heart
• See how well the heart valve works
• Assess the severity of coronary artery disease that the patient has
• Assess how effective a heart treatment plan has been done
• Determine safe physical exercise limits before starting a cardiac rehabilitation program due to a heart attack or heart surgery
• Evaluate heart rate and blood pressure
• Know the level of physical fitness
• Determine a person's prognosis for a heart attack or die of heart disease

Who needs to do an ECG stress test?

Usually, ECG stress tests are for patients with conditions:

• Have a family history of heart disease
• Have coronary heart disease
• Suspected of having heart problems because it raises several supporting symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, and so on
• Have a history of hypertension, diabetes and high cholesterol
• An active smoker

What should be prepared before performing an ECG stress test?

There are several things that you must prepare before conducting this examination, including:

• Tell your doctor all the medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant
• Make sure you get enough sleep before the test
• Don't eat or drink anything except water for 4 hours before the test
• Don't drink or eat anything that contains caffeine 12 hours before the test
• Do not take heart medications on examination days, unless the doctor allows
• Use comfortable shoes and loose pants
• Use a short-sleeved shirt with front buttons to make it easier to attach ECG electrodes to the chest
• If you use an inhaler for asthma or other respiratory problems, take it also during the test

Based on your medical condition, your doctor may ask you to make other special preparations not mentioned above. Consult a doctor for more information.

How does an ECG stress test work?

This procedure lasts about 2 to 3 hours and will be performed under the supervision of a cardiologist or trained medical staff. Before taking the test, the medical staff will ask you to remove all jewelry, watches, or other metal objects attached to the body. You are also asked to remove the clothes worn during the test.

No need to worry, this is a standard procedure that must be done before starting the test. Health professionals will ensure your vital organs are maintained by covering them with cloth and only showing the required parts. If your chest is very hairy, the medical team may shave or cut the hair as needed, so that the electrodes can cling tightly to the skin.

Electrodes will be installed in the chest and in the abdomen. This electrode is used to measure electrical activity in the heart and send the results to an installed ECG monitor. Medical staff will also put a blood pressure gauge on the arm. Initial examination, or baseline, ECG and blood pressure will be done when you sit and stand.

After that, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill or use a static bicycle from the lowest intensity to the highest. Medical staff will carefully monitor any changes in heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG due to body activity and stress.

Notify medical staff immediately if you experience dizziness, chest pain, staggering, extreme shortness of breath, nausea, headaches, foot pain, or other symptoms while you are doing physical activity. The test can be stopped if you experience severe symptoms.

After you have completed all the exercises, the intensity of the exercise will be slowed slowly to "cool down" and help avoid nausea or cramps from suddenly stopping. You will sit on a chair and your ECG and blood pressure will be monitored until it returns to normal or near normal. This may take 10 to 20 minutes. After your ECG end result and blood pressure are known, the ECG electrode and the blood pressure device attached to the arm will release. You may also wear your clothes again.

Some patients may not be able to exercise treadmills or static bikes. If this is the case, the doctor will perform the ECG stress dobutamine procedure. This is another form of ECG stress test. The difference is, this procedure is done by giving a drug that stimulates the patient's heart and makes the heart think that the body is exercising.

You may feel tired and be panting for a few hours after taking a test, especially if you rarely exercise. If you feel tired for more than a day, contact your doctor immediately.

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