Treadmill Exercise Stress Test
West Midlands
Comprehensive Heart Function Evaluation
Treadmill Exercise Stress Testing (also known as an Exercise ECG) is used to assess how your heart responds to physical stress. This test is an essential diagnostic tool for evaluating the performance of your heart under increased exertion, helping us detect any underlying cardiovascular issues that may not be apparent at rest.
What is a Treadmill Exercise Stress Test?
A Treadmill Exercise Stress Test is a controlled exercise test that monitors the electrical activity of your heart while you walk or run on a treadmill. It is designed to evaluate how your heart functions during periods of physical exertion, allowing us to observe your heart’s response to stress and detect any abnormalities. The test helps identify conditions like coronary artery disease (CAD), where blood vessels become narrowed or blocked, reducing blood flow to the heart.
This test is particularly useful for investigating symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or reduced exercise tolerance, and for assessing the severity of these conditions in patients with known heart disease.
Cost
- Exercise stress ECG £155
How is the treadmill exercise stress test performed?
The Treadmill Exercise Stress Test involves the following steps:
Preparation: Electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor the electrical activity of your heart. These electrodes are connected to an ECG machine that continuously records your heart’s activity throughout the test.
Exercise phase: You will walk on a treadmill, with the speed and incline gradually increasing to intensify the exertion. During the test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG readings will be monitored in real time. The aim is to observe how your heart responds to increasing levels of physical stress.
Test duration: The test typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes, but it can be stopped sooner if you reach your target heart rate, experience symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath, or simply if you feel you cannot continue.
Monitoring: Throughout the test, your hearts response to exertion will be carefully monitored. The test will be stopped if any concerning symptoms or ECG changes are detected, ensuring your safety.
Post-test evaluation: After the test, your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will continue to be monitored during the recovery phase. An complete analysis of your ECG, blood pressure and symptoms before, during and after the test will determine whether any further evaluation or treatment is needed.
Who should have a treadmill exercise stress test?
The Treadmill Exercise Stress Test is recommended for individuals who:
- Experience symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or palpitations during physical activity
- Have risk factors for coronary artery disease such as high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, or a family history of heart disease
- Need to assess their heart function after a heart attack, angioplasty, or coronary artery bypass surgery
- Are preparing for a medical procedure and need to evaluate their heart health before surgery
- Have experienced a reduction in their exercise tolerance or ability to engage in physical activities
Advanced cardiovascular expertise
At OneMedicine, your Exercise Stress Test is conducted under the expert care of Dr Ibrar Ahmed, a cardiovascular specialist with a PhD in Cardiovascular Medicine. Dr Ahmeds extensive background in both general practice and advanced cardiology ensures that you are in the best possible hands. His patient-focused approach guarantees that each test is carefully supervised and that your results are thoroughly analysed.
With his expertise, you can trust that any abnormalities detected during the test will be promptly addressed, and you’ll receive a clear and detailed explanation of your results.
Get seen by Dr Ibrar Ahmed
If you’re experiencing symptoms such as chest pain, breathlessness, or a decline in your exercise ability, the Treadmill Exercise Stress Test can provide valuable insights into your heart health. Early detection of heart conditions through this test allows for prompt treatment and can help prevent serious cardiovascular events.
Take control of your heart health today—book your Treadmill Exercise Stress Test with Dr Ibrar Ahmed at OneMedicine.
