Exercise ECG

An Exercise Stress Test (Exercise ECG) is an accepted diagnostic test for coronary artery disease in patients with cardiac symptoms.

It can also be used in evaluating patients with known cardiac disease. Testing may be performed in select de-conditioned adults before they consider starting a vigorous exercise program to determine safe levels of exercise.

An exercise stress test can be used to determine if your heart receives enough oxygen via the coronary arteries when you are exercising.

An exercise ECG can be used to look at the health of the heart especially if you are taking up exercise after a prolonged lay off. This will allow the doctor to decide what level of exercise you can perform safely.

Stress tests are generally considered safe, especially since they’re done in the presence of qualified staff and in a controlled environment.

However, there are some risks, such as:

• Chest pain

• Collapse

• Fainting

• Heart Attack

• Arrythmia

However, the doctor will screen you for problems beforehand and if considered too high risk, then the test may be considered inappropriate.

Before the test, the doctor will take a medical history, examine your heart, check your Blood Pressure and perform a resting ECG.

You should also tell your doctor about any conditions or symptoms that may make exercising difficult.

Before the test you will be asked to sign a consent form, accepting the risks associated with undergoing the test.

You should avoid eating or drinking caffeinated beverages for 3 hours before the test. You should also avoid smoking.

Do not stop taking any medication unless instructed to do so by the doctor who will be performing the test.

On the day of the test, be sure to dress in loose, comfortable clothing and footwear for brisk walking on a treadmill

Make sure to wear comfortable shoes, such as sneakers.

The test starts at a slow rate on a slight incline on a treadmill. Every 3 mins the speed and gradient of the treadmill will be increased.

Your blood pressure will be monitored at intervals throughout the test.

If you experience any symptoms e.g. chest pains, weakness, or fatigue you should tell the doctor. You can ask to stop the test at any time or the doctor may decide to stop the test for safety reasons.

Otherwise when a particular level of exertion has been achieved the doctor will stop the test. Your heart rate, blood pressure and breathing will continue to be monitored for a short while afterward..

Report any chest pains or other symptoms you notice on the day of the test.

Before you begin exercising, ten sticky pads will be attached to your skin with wires connecting you to the ECG machine. The nurse will then check your blood pressure and the doctor will perform a resting ECG to ensure it is safe to proceed to the exercise test.

If the doctor believes you may have coronary artery disease or other heart condition, you would be referred back to your NHS GP for onward referral. If you do not have an NHS GP then the doctor can refer you to a Private Cardiologist for further assessment.

An Exercise ECG test costs £450

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