TREADMILL STRESS ECG

  

TREADMILL STRESS ECG

 

The treadmill EKG, or exercise EKG test, is an EKG record obtained when the heart is exposed to  physical stress such as exercise. When a person is running on a treadmill. Exercise on a treadmill EKG is a useful test that is routinely performed to detect problems that may not be apparent when the heart is at rest.

Treadmill Stress Test

The treadmill EKG stress test is relatively safe, but  running on a treadmill puts a strain on the heart, so there is little risk. Very rare complications are heart attack and  heart arrhythmias, which are more likely to be seen  in  hospital heart laboratories, where patients already suffering from heart disease are tested. Experienced staff will handle emergencies when performing exercise EKG on  a treadmill.

Purpose of doing a Treadmill Stress ECG Test:

The treadmill exercise EKG test helps doctors  see how well the heart is functioning during exercise by analysing the EKG wave patterns recorded while running on the treadmill. Many heart problems are invisible and can be overlooked when EKG is rested. These potential abnormalities manifest themselves when the heart is exposed to the physical stress of movement.

How long does the Treadmill Stress ECG Test take?

It depends on a person’s health. In general, a person with a normal healthy heart and strength can run longer on a treadmill and reach  more difficult levels with higher treadmill tilt. However, the total process of  test preparation, test execution, and post-test recovery phase  should  not exceed 45 minutes in total.

 Will patients feel any pain or discomfort?

The test is non-invasive, but it is normal  to feel tired or short of breath during a strenuous run on a treadmill. However, if you  develop  chest discomfort or are very out of breath, it may indicate an underlying heart problem that is also manifested in electrocardiographic stress records. 

What will happen to blood pressure and heart rate during the Treadmill Test?

Both  blood pressure and heart rate  rise normally during exercise and  are monitored and recorded by a computer during the test. The underlying heart disease may manifest itself as an abnormally fast heart rate or a drop in blood pressure during the test.

What will the Treadmill Stress ECG show?

Exercise EKG records may show abnormalities that indicate abnormal heart function if the heart does not receive sufficient oxygen during exercise.

Why is the stress ECG test on the  Treadmill useful?

Exercise ECG testing on a treadmill is particularly helpful in identifying and diagnosing  coronary artery occlusion. If your heart muscle is blocked or narrowed, you may not receive enough oxygen during exercise. This may not be detected and many patients do not even experience the symptoms of chest pain (angina) until it is too late. These abnormalities are often not detected by the resting ECG, but appear during the treadmill movement ECG.

 How do I prepare for a stress ECG test on a treadmill?

· Do not eat or drink for 23 hours before the test to avoid nausea when  exercising hard with a heavy diet.

· If you have diabetes, you should contact your doctor for specific medication instructions.

· Check with your doctor first to see if you are taking  heart medications or erectile dysfunction medications such as Viagra or Cialis.

· Your doctor may ask you to discontinue certain medications 1-2 days before the exercise ECG test on the treadmill. This helps ensure more accurate results during the exercise EKG test on the treadmill.

· The test requires loose and comfortable clothing and running shoes. Men are asked to take off their shirts, and women usually wear bras and light blouses or dresses during the test.

What happens during a stress ECG test on a  Treadmill?

· To prepare the skin for the electrodes, some areas of the chest and shoulders need to be washed with alcohol and detergent. Men may need to shave the chest area to keep the electrodes  in place.

· Electrodes are placed on the chest and shoulders to monitor the electrical activity of the heart. Blood pressure is also  monitored by wrapping the cuff around your arm.

· You will be shown how to get on the treadmill and  use the  railings to maintain  balance. The treadmill starts slowly,  then gradually increases in speed and tilt.

· Blood pressure is monitored every few minutes and EKG waveforms are carefully monitored for abnormal changes.

 Can I stop the treadmill exercise test if I feel sick?

 Symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, and leg fatigue should be reported immediately during the test. Exercise on a treadmill The EKG test ends if you are too tired to continue, or if you experience symptoms such as dizziness, shortness of breath,  or chest pain. Testing should continue until maximum heart rate is reached or  the exercise EKG shows abnormal changes on the computer monitor.

 What to do on a treadmill after a stress ECG test?

 You may be asked to sit in a chair or lie in bed while your blood pressure and electrocardiogram are being monitored until recovery.

Is Treadmill Exercise EKG Test Accurate in Detecting Underlying Coronary Artery Disease?

 Like most tests, the exercise ECG test on a treadmill is not 100 percent. Both false positives and false positives are expected. The results are interpreted by an experienced cardiologist along with  other clinical findings such as the person’s lifestyle, family history, and cholesterol levels.

 When can I get the results of the treadmill exercise ECG test?

The report will be sent to a cardiologist for review. It may take several days before you call  to receive and confirm the report.