Treadmill Test
The most common cause of heart disease is narrowing of the coronary arteries. This narrowing occurs when cholesterol and other substances build up inside the artery. Many people with narrowing of the coronary arteries have no symptoms when they are at rest. The exercise test helps to detect narrowing of the arteries.
You will be asked not to eat for about 2 hours before the test. Small, sticky metal disks or suction cups are placed on your back and chest for the electrocardiogram. Blood pressure and the electrocardiogram are recorded while you are resting. You then start a slow walk on the treadmill. The speed and the upward slope of the treadmill will be increased about every 3 minutes. The electrocardiogram and blood pressure continue to be recorded while you exercise on the treadmill and just after the test.
You will be asked not to eat for about 2 hours before the test. Small, sticky metal disks or suction cups are placed on your back and chest for the electrocardiogram. Blood pressure and the electrocardiogram are recorded while you are resting. You then start a slow walk on the treadmill. The speed and the upward slope of the treadmill will be increased about every 3 minutes. The electrocardiogram and blood pressure continue to be recorded while you exercise on the treadmill and just after the test.
