Health Topics for Cardiovascular Health

UI Heart and Vascular Care

Cardiovascular Diseases

Treadmill Electrocardiogram (Stress EKG)

WHAT IS A TREADMILL EKG?

A treadmill EKG is an EKG that is recorded during exercise. The patient walks on a treadmill while an EKG machine records the electrical activity of the heart.

The test may uncover problems with heart rhythm or blood supply to the heart which cannot be found on an EKG taken at rest. It can also be used to decide how much exercise is safe for you. This is valuable for planning a cardiac rehabilitation program after a heart attack or heart surgery.

PREPARING FOR THE TEST

1. You may eat a light breakfast or lunch before the test. Please allow two hours between your meal and the test.
2. Take your medications as usual. For some patients, certain medications may be stopped one or two days before the test. Your doctor will tell you if that is necessary.
3. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.

1. You will be asked about your medical history. Please bring a list of your medications.
2. You will be told about the test, then asked to sign a consent form.

A technician will attach electrodes to the skin on your chest. Your blood pressure will be taken and a resting EKG will be recorded.

You will begin walking at a low level which gradually increases, as both the speed and slope of the treadmill are increased.

The test will continue until:

• you have reached a certain pulse rate.
  
• certain EKG changes occur.
  
• you are too tired to continue, have chest pain, or you are short of breath.

CONSIDERATIONS

The treadmill EKG takes about an hour. You will walk for five to 15 minutes. The rest of the time is spent preparing for the test and "cooling off" after walking.

Please tell the treadmill EKG staff if you begin to feel chest pain or shortness of breath. Immediately after you stop walking you may feel slightly dizzy.

Your EKG will be monitored by the treadmill EKG staff for ten minutes after you have stopped walking.

The doctor will evaluate your test during and right after the test is done. Your University Hospital doctor will discuss the results with you.

Do you have any questions? Feel free to ask your doctor, your nurse, or the treadmill EKG staff.

The treadmill EKG Lab is located on the 4th Floor of the Roy Carver Pavilion, next to the Ernest O. Theilen Cardiology Clinic, across from elevator D. The phone number is (319) 356-2152.

Last Reviewed 2005

Source: University of Iowa Department of Internal Medicine

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.