Treadmill Stress Test

You may be asked to walk on a treadmill with progressive increments in speed and incline. During the exercise, your EKG will continuously be monitored, and your blood pressure periodically recorded. The exercise will be discontinued once you attain a predetermined target heart rate, develop significant abnormal EKG changes, or have symptoms such as chest discomfort, severe shortness of breath, or fatigue.

• Do not eat anything 4 hours prior to the test. You may drink plenty of water.
• NO caffeine, including coffee, soda, tea, chocolate, cocoa, etc.
• NO decaffeinated drinks
• NO cigarettes
• Diabetic patients should consult with their primary physician regarding fasting instructions.
• Take your medications prior the test (see below for exercise patients and bring a list of them with you
• There will be a break during the test, so bring a snack with you in case you get hungry.
• Wear sneakers, comfortable pants and a short sleeve top without any kind of metal buttons
• DO NOT TAKE BETA BLOCKER MEDICATIONS FOR 6 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR TEST (Bisopolol, Bystolic, Carvedilol, Core, Inderal, Labetalol, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Propranolol, Sotalol, Tenormin, Trandate or Zebeta)
• DO NOT TAKE CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKER MEDICATIONS FOR 6 HOURS PRIOR TO YOUR TEST (Cardizem, Cartia, Diltiazem). Feel free to call us if you have any questions regarding this exam.