Stress Test (Stress EKG)

Cardiac Diagnostic Test to evaluate:

• Heart function and functional capacity of heart

• Abnormalities of the heart or heart rhythm during exercise

• The presence or absence of heart disease

• The supply of blood to the heart during exercise

• Symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath

Types of Stress Tests:

• Standard Stress Test (Treadmill)

• Nuclear Stress Test - Myoview (Treadmill)

• Nuclear Stress Test - Persantine (Pharmacologic/Medication)

Standard Stress Test:

Procedure:

• Consent form for Stress test is reviewed and signed

• You will be instructed by the EKG Tech to remove clothing from waist up and will be provided with a gown

• Areas of your chest will be cleansed with an abrasive alcohol pad

• 6 Electrodes (adhesive patches) are placed on chest, connected to wires and attached to Stress Machine

• EKGs will be performed at rest, sitting and during hyperventilation

• Demonstration of walking on the treadmill will be provided by EKG Tech

• Cardiologist or Physician Assistant will review indication for stress test, your symptoms and answer any questions you may have regarding the test

• Baseline Blood Pressure is obtained and BP cuff remains in place on arm throughout test

• You will be assisted to the treadmill and exercise begins

• Treadmill speed and height will increase every 3 minutes (EKG Tech will inform you prior to treadmill change)

• The Cardiologist monitors your Blood Pressure and EKG, continuously.

• Stress test continues until either you need to stop, you reach the target heart rate predicted for you or until the test is stopped by the Cardiologist

• After the test, you will be monitored for several minutes until heart rate, blood pressure and EKG return to pre test levels

Preparation for Test:

• Nothing to eat or drink 2 ½ hours prior to test

• No Smoking on day of test

• Take your current medications UNLESS instructed by your Physician

• Wear comfortable, flat shoes/sneakers and loose fitting clothing, appropriate for exercise

• Please bring a list of medications you are currently taking

Time for Test:
varies 1 hour for standard stress test to half day for Nuclear stress test.

Test Results:
Test will be interpreted by the Cardiologist and report sent to your physician who ordered test