Pre-test Instructions
• If you are entitled to ambulance transport to the hospital, please call 08000 323 240 to book.
• Do not eat more than a light meal at least 2 hours before the test.
• Please bring a pair of trainers or flat shoes.
• Ladies wear trousers or a skirt with a top.
• Bring a list of current medication. If you have been prescribed a GTN spray, please bring this with you.
• Please do not use any body lotions /creams on the day of the test.
• The test takes approximately 30 minutes.
• If you have a chest infection, please telephone the Cardiac Investigations Unit on 01253 957735 or 957736, before your appointment date to re-arrange.
Your hospital doctor will have told you if you need to stop any medication, prior to the test.
A Cardiac Physiologist or a Doctor will be present throughout the test. You will be connected to an ECG monitor and a blood pressure cuff will be attached to your arm. These will be monitored throughout the test. A tracing of each will be taken and if either of these is unsatisfactory the test will be postponed.
If the readings are satisfactory you will be asked to walk on the treadmill starting at a low speed and gradient. Every 3 minutes the speed and gradient of the treadmill will increase until the test is completed which will be a maximum of 15 minutes.
The test will be discontinued if:
• You develop any adverse symptoms e.g. shortness of breath, limiting chest pains or dizziness.
• Your target heart rate is reached. This is age dependent.
• The Cardiac Physiologist or Doctor in charge requests the test to be stopped. YOU CAN REQUEST THE TEST TO BE STOPPED AT ANY TIME.
After the test it is advisable to wait in the reception area for 10-15 minutes, before leaving the department.
The benefit of the test is to enable your consultant to assess the condition of your heart, how well it responds to exercise and therefore to treat you appropriately. The test is performed under controlled conditions and is usually very safe. It is performed regularly in this hospital.
1. There may be a change in heart rhythm.
2.There will be a change in your blood pressure. Sometimes the blood pressure can fall on exercise and you may feel dizzy or light-headed. There may be a small chance of fainting.
3.There is an even smaller chance of you having a heart attack.
Results of the test will not be given to you on the day as the readings have to be carefully analysed. You will either see a member of your consultant’s team in the outpatient clinic at a later date or your GP may receive a letter from the consultant usually 4-5 weeks after the test. You will however be contacted sooner if appropriate.
