Exercise stress test, treadmill

[Tudee]

Good morning, I am down for a stress test in a month. Does the test involve walking faster and faster on an increasing incline, or do I have to run at any point, that’s when it will become farcical as I haven’t run since about the year 2000. arms going round like windmill sails. I walk briskly on an incline for 30 mins daily without any problem. Thanks Dee

[BobD Volunteer]

No running. They just increase the load (incline) until you reach the target HR they set you and then you have to maintain for a certain length of time. DO NOT STOP! I did in the gymn once when distracted and ended up five yards back! She couldn't stop laughing.

[Tudee in reply to BobD]

That’s my fear Bob, I’ve never been on a treadmill before, ( unless you count nursing) I’ve visions of being jettisoned across the room at great speed, Im stressed just thinking about it. Dee

[bantam12 in reply to Tudee]

Don't worry you can't fall off it as there is a handrail which you have to hang on to and when I did it a couple of months ago one of the tech ladies stood next to me just in case I needed a steadying hand, it's really quite fun 😊

[BobD Volunteer in reply to bantam12]

I got told off for holding on as it messes up the ecg trace.

[bantam12 in reply to BobD]

How odd, maybe there are different types of machine but I couldn't have done it without holding on.

[bantam12]

Starts off gentle walk on the level then at intervals they speed up the pace and increase the incline, have to say the fastest pace was quite difficult for me, i was well puffed out !

[Tudee in reply to bantam12]

Doesnt sound too bad, I think I can go the distance, is betting allowed just to add a little flavour to it. ...?

[BobD Volunteer in reply to Tudee]

With my arthritic knees I can't run so told them this and they just used incline.

[djbgatekeeper]

Hi Dee, mine was at Liverpool Royal, the test started off walking and then to a jog. Basically the nurse will have a goal heart rate to get you to so I asked before the test what it was. The nurse replied but wasn't keen to let me know as she said people stop jogging when they reach the goal.... Which is exactly what I did lol..... So basically it starts off walking and gets faster until you hit the target rate..... But don't worry as YOU are in charge, if you want to stop just stop... I did 👍

[Hidden]

Is there an option to do this stress ECG/Echo using a static exercise bike?

[BobD Volunteer]

If all else fails they can do a chemical stress test using a drug to make your heart race.

[Hidden in reply to BobD]

I have had to have the nuclear stress test recently as due to my ankylosing spondylitis . That wasn't too bad

[bantam12]

The ones I've done didnt have that many stages and definitely there was no need to jog, couldn't possibly have done that ! I did get to the end but it was only a fast walking pace.

[Tudee]

Thank you Bantam that is all much clearer now. Dee

[EricW]

My stress test was carried out with me laying on my back feet slightly above head and the whole machine tilted about 45 degrees to the side. I then had to pedal against resistance for 15 mins. I was of course well wired up. The various medical attendants cheered me on ‘till I reached the goal or very nearly. A sweaty and and not entirely comfortable experience but provided a great of useful information.

EricW

[Tudee in reply to EricW]

Oh dear, that sounds more like a circus act than a medical test, are you sure they weren’t just having a laugh Eric. ? I’m booked for the treadmill which Ive never been on before, hope it doesn’t end up on u tube, it’s bound to be comical !!

[EricW in reply to Tudee]

Sounds hilarious in retrospect but hard going at the time. Results though were reassuring for someone of 85!

EW

[Tudee in reply to EricW]

You must be “ made of hard stuff” as we say ”oop north” to cycle st such an uncomfortable angle for the required time, no wonder the staff were cheeering you on, you deserve an Oscar. Dee

[EricW]

Thanks. Although the test took place in Brighton I’m from Liverpool. That explains it of course!!

YNWA.

[Tudee in reply to EricW]

And I hope you never will Eric. Regards Dee

[Shoshov]

hi Tudee i had one a few months ago. it started slow and gradually got faster. they then increased incline gradually until you were at max speed and incline. this is the part that gives them the information they’re looking for. they are very mindful of how your feeling and will keep asking if your ok and to let them know if you have any symptoms or want to stop. i managed to finish it but it was a bit of a push near the end. no one mentioned running. good luck. hope this helps❤️shiona

[Tudee in reply to Shoshov]

Thank you Shiona, that is reassuring, I was dreading the jogging part., although I suppose they set realistic targets using different parameters, one wouldn’t expect a Morris Minor to match the speed of a Ferrari, and on a good day Im barely a Morris Minor. Dee

[Shoshov in reply to Tudee]

🤣liked that Dee. glad your reassured. honestly nurses and technicians are on top of everything. nothing to stress about❤️

[NJ47]

I’ve done two stress tests and there was no running, (but if I remember correctly a lot of panting lol).

Both times were fun, so enjoy!

NJ

[Tudee in reply to NJ47]

Thank you, Im feeling more positive about it now. Dee

[NJ47 in reply to Tudee]

Good news. London Marathon next year, lol?

[Tudee in reply to NJ47]

Love your sense of fun, that will be a no from me though. Lol