Treadmill Stress Test
Why do I need a stress test?
Get consultation & test performed by one of the experienced and heart specialist in Templestowe, Boronia & Mildura – Dr Nima Rudd. A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps your doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more fuel and your heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if there’s a lack of blood supply through the arteries that go to the heart.
Taking a stress test also helps your doctor know the kind and level of exercise that’s right for you.
What happens during the test?
- You’re hooked up to equipment to monitor your heart.
- You walk slowly in place on the treadmill.
- It tilts so you feel like you’re going up a small hill.
- It changes speeds to make you walk faster.
- You can stop the test at any time if you need to.
- After slowing down for a few minutes, you’ll sit or lie down and your heart and blood pressure will be checked.
Treadmill Stress Test at Dr Rudd Cardiology
Your doctor may refer you directly to our service without prior consultation. You will be bulk-billed for this procedure. Your test will be supervised by Dr Rudd . The test typically takes about 30 minutes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and clothes. The result will be sent to your doctor soon after your test, usually the same day if your doctor has electronic health record facility. Occasionally, a very abnormal test may require urgent admission to hospital.
What is monitored during the test?
- Your heartrate
- Your breathing
- Your blood pressure
- Your electrocardiogram (ECG)
- How tired you feel, whether you are experiencing chest pains or breathlessness
How is the procedure performed?
EMERGENCY CASES
OPENING HOURS
Mon – Fri : 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM |
Sat – Sun : Closed
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about treadmill stress testing, exercise testing and what to expect during your cardiac assessment.
A treadmill stress test is a cardiac investigation that monitors how your heart responds to physical activity. During the test, your heart rate, blood pressure, ECG and symptoms may be monitored as you exercise.
A treadmill stress test may be recommended to assess how your heart responds to exercise and to investigate certain symptoms or suspected coronary artery disease.
During the test, you exercise on a treadmill while your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG are monitored. The workload is gradually adjusted according to the testing protocol and your individual response.
The total appointment time can vary depending on the individual patient and testing requirements. The exercise portion itself may be shorter than the complete appointment, which also includes preparation and recovery.
A treadmill stress test is generally not painful. You will be asked to exercise and may experience temporary tiredness, breathlessness or an increased heart rate as the workload increases.
Comfortable clothing and suitable footwear for walking or exercise are recommended. The clinic will provide any additional preparation instructions before your appointment.
Exercise testing can provide information about how your heart responds to increased workload and may assist your cardiologist in assessing certain cardiac conditions. Your results are interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history.
Exercise stress testing is performed with appropriate clinical monitoring. Your cardiologist will assess whether the test is suitable for you based on your symptoms, medical history and overall health.