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Exercise Stress Testing

An exercise stress test, or treadmill test, may be ordered by your doctor if you have symptoms of :

  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath
  • dizziness
  • palpitations

The treadmill test evaluates the presence or absence or coronary artery disease with exercise. It is often used in combination with an echocardiogram or nuclear imaging.

Before the procedure

  • Tell your doctor what medications you are currently taking when you schedule your test and ask whether you should take these on the day of your test.
  • If your test is scheduled before noon, do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day before your test.
  • If your test is scheduled after noon, eat a light breakfast.
  • Do not smoke or eat or drink caffeine products (coffee, tea, soda, or chocolate) during the 24 hours prior to your test.
  • Wear comfortable clothes. A hospital gown will be provided.

During the procedure

  • Small pads called electrodes will be placed on your upper body to monitor your heart rate. Men may have portions of their chests shaved.
  • After learning how to use the treadmill, you will exercise for several minutes.
  • The first exercise is at an easy pace, but it slowly gets more difficult; the speed and incline of the treadmill will increase in three minute increments.
  • Your heartbeat and blood pressure are monitored during and after the test.
  • The test ends once you reach your target heart rate and is stopped immediately if you experience fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Total test time is approximately 30 minutes.

After the procedure

  • You may go home and resume normal activities.
  • Your doctor will review your test results with you after the test.

This test can be ordered by any physician at the New Mexico Heart Institute and will be interpreted by one of the specially trained physicians in this area listed below.

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