Cardiac Stress Test

During a Cardiac Stress Test, we will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure as your heart reaches its maximum target heart rate while you are walking or running on a treadmill. This will help your physician determine the presence and extent of cardiac muscle dysfunction. Physicians order this test for the following reasons:

• Strong family history of cardiac disease
• High blood pressure or high cholesterol
• Recent heart attack
• Recent bypass surgery
• Recent Angioplasty
• Chest pain, palpitations
• Annual check up

What you should know

On the day of your Cardiac Stress Test, you should exclude caffeine, alcohol and smoking. If you are taking heart or blood pressure medications, check with your physician whether you are to stop the medication before the test.

You may have a light meal approximately two hours before your appointment.  Bring loose-fitting, comfortable, short-sleeved exercise clothing and rubber-soled shoes.  Do not wear a dress or skirt.  Women must wear a bra for exercise.  Please do not wear jewellery for your test.

When you arrive for your Cardiac Stress Test, we will explain the procedure to you.  We will attach a blood pressure cuff to your arm and ECG electrodes on your chest.  You will be walking or running on a treadmill until your heart reaches its target heart rate, or until you become tired.  There will be a five-minute rest period after the test.  Please allow one hour to complete your test.

FAQs

How long do I have to walk/run on the treadmill?

However long it takes for your heart to reach its maximum target heart rate, or until you become tired.

How accurate is the stress test?

This test is accurate and represents the first step in determining if you have coronary artery disease.

What if I cannot complete the test?

We ask you to continue as long as you can and we will derive results from the information we gather.

What is a normal heart rate and blood pressure?

A normal range of blood pressure is from 120/60 to 180/80. Normal heart rate range is from 60 to 100.

Why do I have to sign a consent form?

There is a slight risk to stressing your heart and the consent form allows you to be treated should problems occur during your test.

Contact Us

Markham Site:  (905) 472-7020