The Treadmill Stress Test is an important tool in diagnosing significant coronary artery disease as well as prognosticating the severity of coronary artery disease. It is commonly used in atypical chest pain or after myocardial infarction, bypass operation or percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty.

Treadmill exercise allows the cardiologist to assess your heart responses to an increase workload or demand for blood during exercise in various stages. This is done by recording your heart rhythm (ECG) and changes in the ST segment pattern while you are walking on the treadmill machine.

Preparation before the test

On the day of the test, it is important for you to have a light breakfast, or a light meal if the test is scheduled in the afternoon.

You may be asked to stop certain medications three days before the test. Please confirm with your doctor.

When you come for your appointment wear a loose and comfortable shirt, short or long pants and a pair of jogging shoes.

How the test is done

Your technician will place a number of electrodes on your chest to record the ECG rhythm at different angles of the heart.

You will be asked to begin walking on the treadmill initially at a slow rate and gradually at a faster pace in each stage. Your blood pressure, heart rate and general condition will be closely monitored throughout the test. The treadmill will gradually incline and speed up every three minutes.

Should you begin feeling tired, breathless or unwell at anytime during the exercise, your technician or cardiologist will slow down or stop the treadmill.

After your exercise, your stress test report will be generated and your cardiologist will analyze and discuss the results with you personally.