Treadmill Stress Test NEW - ThedaCare

Treadmill Stress TestPatient PreparationPage 1 of 2A Treadmill Stress Test is an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) study conducted during gradedexercise. This test is frequently used to evaluate you’re body’s response to physical work. Yourheart’s ECG and your blood pressure will be evaluated throughout the test. The test will revealany potential blockages in your heart’s arteries, any work induced arrhythmias, and shed light onsymptoms you may be having.Exercise or Stress ECG testing is useful in ruling out various heart problems, which might not beidentified during a resting ECG.UPON ARRIVAL (approximately 10 minutes)When you arrive, you will register and answer questions asked by the receptionist. You will needto sign consent for your procedure.PATIENT PREPARATIONWear comfortable walking shoes and clothing. It is recommended to wear a short-sleeved,loose fitting T-shirt for your comfort. It is often cool in the waiting room so it is suggested thatyou bring a sweatshirt or sweater. There are also blankets available if needed.Women are advised to bring or wear a sports type bra or a bra that does not contain anunder wire, the hooks in the front or back are okay. This is not required and only offered foryour comfort.Eating or drinking prior to your test is acceptable. It is only required that you do not consumeany sort of caffeine 24 hours prior to your test.You may take your usual medications the day of the test unless otherwise notified. BetaBlockers are commonly held for this test. If you take a beta blocker (a blood pressuremedication), please check with your physician to see if you need to stop it prior to your test.Bring a list of your current medications, including dosages and times taken. Medicationbottles may also be brought in instead of a list.Please do not exercise the morning of your exam.Follow any other instructions provided by your physician.Appleton Heart Institute1818 N. Meade Street, Appleton, WI 54911Phone: 920-731-8900 Fax: 920-225-1414

Treadmill Stress TestPatient PreparationPage 2 of 2PROCEDURE (approximately 45 minutes)You will be asked to change into a gown (if needed) and be escorted to a prep room.Several electrodes will be placed on your chest to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG orEKG), a recording of your heart’s electrical activity. (It may be necessary for the technician toshave small areas of your chest where the electrodes will be placed.) You are now ready tohave your stress test.Depending on your fitness level the test will last anywhere from 6 to 12 minutes. Running isNOT required but it may be encouraged.Your EKG, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored throughout the exam. The teststarts slowly but every three minutes the treadmill gets faster and steeper such that the lastminute you are exercising is difficult.When completed, you will be escorted from the stress lab to the changing room (if needed) orto the exit.POST PROCEDURE CAREYou may resume normal activity immediately following the test.POST PROCEDURE RESULTSThe person supervising your Treadmill Stress Test receives a paper record of the study as soonas the test is finished. A copy of your results will be sent to your ordering physician inapproximately one week, follow up with him/her for your care.YOUR PROCEDURE IS SCHEDULED FOR:Date:Arrival Time:Procedure Time:____/____/______________________________ Appleton Heart InstituteFirst Floor Registration1818 N. Meade Street (enter fromGlendale St.)Appleton, WI 54911731-8900 or (800) 236-8988 Theda Clark Medical CenterOutpatient Registration (first floor)130 Second StreetNeenah, WI 54956(920)729-3100 or (800) 236-3122Revised April 2011