Treadmill test

[Shoshov]

Hi hearties. Can anyone tell me what they’re looking for and what the test can actually us. ❤️shiona

[Sususulio]

My understanding (of the one I had) is that it is very similar to EKG in terms of the leads they attach but then allows them to see real-time activity of how your heart and circulation responds to exercise. They look to you reaching you a maximum heart rate - determined by age etc and then ask you to try and achieve it on the treadmill by gradually increasing pace/incline. They were able to tell from mine (I reached 98% of max) and was on the treadmill for about 7 mins that things looked OK so after a stent this was quite reassuring. All the time it produces a graph (electronically) like that produced from ECG. I think it shows if there is evidence of possible reduction in blood flow to heart and also blood pressure is monitored throughout so they look to see how quickly it drops back to normal etc.

I am sure someone will explain more eloquently but I think it is a better indicator than a stationary snapshot like ECG. All the best

[Sususulio in reply to Sususulio]

ouh.nhs.uk/cardiac/medicine...

[Pete1]

The Exercise Tolerance Test involves walking on a treadmill whilst being hooked up to an ECG monitor. The cardiac consultant would have told the nurse supervisor beforehand what level the patient is to reach at the end of the test. During the test, the treadmill keeps to a constant speed whilst you walk and your ECG is monitored by a specialist nurse. Your blood pressure is also taken at regular intervals during the test (whilst still walking). The treadmill incline is increased at regular intervals but the speed remains the same. When you can no longer maintain the walking pace, the test is stopped. If during the test the nurse has any concerns with the ECG or blood pressure readings, then the test is stopped immediately. The nurse should let you know the results before you leave.

[Shoshov in reply to Pete1]

Thanks Pete. I’m getting referred for one and was just curious. You feeling any better❤️

[Shoshov]

Thanks for reply sususulio.

[marypw]

I had mine on a bike, but I was almost lying down and on my side. They do an echo and an ECG and check your blood pressure as well. Mine was to check up on my leaky mitral valve and sporadic chest pain. I was a bit nervous because I can't really do much cardio due to another health condition. They push you somewhat to keep going, but not too much. The consultant came in towards the last part and told me the results which were ok. It would definitely show if you had angina.

[Shoshov in reply to marypw]

Thanks marypw. Iv been passing out for best part of a year and still trying to get to bottom of it. Hopefully this will tell them ❤️shiona