Treadmill Stress Test - OR - Exercise Stress Test:

• Treadmill Test
• Dr. Rahul Katariya

A Treadmill Test, also known as a Treadmill Stress Test or Exercise Stress Test, is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate how well the heart functions during physical activity. It helps identify potential issues with blood flow within the heart and can detect conditions like coronary artery disease.

Purpose of a Treadmill Test

1. Assess Heart Function : Evaluate the heart’s performance under stress.
2. Diagnose Coronary Artery Disease : Identify blockages or narrowing in the coronary arteries.
3. Determine Exercise Tolerance : Assess the level of physical activity a patient can handle.
4. Evaluate Symptoms : Investigate symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or irregular heartbeats.
5. Monitor Treatment Efficacy : Check the effectiveness of medications or procedures.

Procedure of a Treadmill Test

1. Preparation:
■ The patient is instructed to wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise.
■ Electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest to monitor the heart's electrical activity through an electrocardiogram (ECG).
■ A blood pressure cuff is placed on the arm to measure blood pressure during the test.

2. Baseline Measurements:
■ Baseline ECG and blood pressure readings are taken while the patient is at rest.

3. Exercise Phase:
■ The patient starts walking on a treadmill at a slow pace.
■ The speed and incline of the treadmill gradually increase at set intervals, making the exercise progressively more strenuous.
■ Throughout the test, the patient’s heart rate, ECG, and blood pressure are continuously monitored.

4. Symptom Monitoring:
■ The patient is asked to report any symptoms they experience, such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath.

5. Completion:
■ The test continues until the patient reaches a target heart rate, experiences significant symptoms, or is unable to continue due to fatigue.
■ The treadmill is then slowed down, and the patient cools down by walking at a slower pace.

6. Recovery Phase:
■ After exercise, the patient’s heart rate, ECG, and blood pressure are monitored until they return to baseline levels.

Interpretation of Results

1. Normal Results:
■ If the heart functions normally and there are no significant changes in the ECG, the test is considered normal.

2. Abnormal Results:
■ If the ECG shows changes indicating reduced blood flow to the heart muscle (ischemia), or if significant symptoms occur, the test is considered abnormal.
■ Abnormal results may require further testing, such as a coronary angiogram, to pinpoint the location and severity of blockages.