Treadmill test:
The treadmill test (TMT) or cardiac stress test is used to determine how far your heart can go before abnormal heart rhythms or reduced blood flow to the heart muscle occur. Doctors use it to observe your heart’s response to being pushed to a certain extent.
Pre Procedure:
In order to prepare for a stress test, you should avoid eating, drinking, or smoking at least three hours before the test.
Your doctor will advise you on whether to continue taking any regular medications, but if you are taking any heart medications, they will likely need to be changed or stopped before the test.
To walk comfortably on a treadmill, you should wear loose, comfortable clothing. Make sure you do not wear metallic jewellery, belts, or ornaments.
In order to undergo the test, male patients must shave off excess chest hair before they arrive.
During Procedure:
About 20 minutes is usually required for the test.
Remove ornaments, a purse, a belt, etc. as well as change into a hospital gown.
Make sure your mobile device is in silent mode.
The technician will perform the procedure by cleaning the chest area, applying the gel, and then placing the electrodes.
You will be periodically checked on how you feel by the technician, while your BP and ECG are being monitored. Either you will be too tired or the ECG will reveal anomalies to end the test.
As you rest for four minutes, we will re-record both your blood pressure and your ECG.
Each electrode will be gently removed by the technician, and the excess gel on the chest will be wiped away with cotton and tissues.
Post Procedure:
There may be some symptoms such as dizziness, a rapid heartbeat, or trouble breathing for a few patients, but they will subside.
After the procedure, the technician will issue a report within 15 minutes.
Our Specialist
Muhammad Marouf Chaudhry, MD, FACC, FSCAI
