What is an exercise stress test?

An exercise stress test is performed to assess the heart’s response to exercise and to detect various forms of heart disease. During the test, you will be asked to exercise on a treadmill, while your heart rhythm and blood pressure is monitored by a Doctor and Cardiac Physiologist.

How to prepare for an exercise stress test

• Please do not eat a heavy meal within two hours of the test.
• It is okay to drink water before the test. Light snacks are okay.
• Wear walking shoes and comfortable clothes so you can walk on a treadmill.
  • Shorts or pants are best, rather than a dress.
• If you use inhalers (puffers), make sure you bring them with you.
• Continue all medications unless directed by the medical team.
• Please bring a list of any medications you are taking with you.

Location

• The test will take place at Canberra Hospital, Cardiology Outpatients, Building 1, Level 3, Yamba Drive, Garran ACT.

What to expect during the test

Before you start the test, small electrode stickers will be placed across your chest and connected by leads to a heart monitoring machine. You will then be asked to exercise on a treadmill while the ECG records your heart rate and rhythm, and your blood pressure is monitored.

The treadmill will begin at a slow walking pace and get faster and steeper every three minutes. The test stops when you become too tired or too short of breath to continue, or if you develop any symptoms. It is important to let the Doctor or Cardiac Physiologist know if you feel any pain or discomfort during the test. Afterwards, you will be monitored until your heart returns to its normal resting rate.

Results

When the test is complete, the results will be discussed with you. A report will also be sent to the referring Doctor.

Risks

An exercise stress test is a non-invasive, very safe procedure. However, there is a small risk (3 in 10 000) of developing serious complications. These include prolonged angina (chest pain), or a heart failure rhythm disturbance requiring resuscitation. The Doctor and Cardiac Physiologist conducting your test are trained to respond to these potential complications. There is a very small (1 in 10 000) risk of death.

Important information

If for any reason you feel you are unable to walk on a treadmill (for example, you use a walking frame or stick), or if you have any questions about this test, please phone the Cardiology Outpatient Unit.

• Opening hours: 8:30am – 4:51pm, Monday-Friday. (02) 5124 2371 (excluding public holidays)
• If your call isn’t answered, please leave a message with your contact details, so that we can call you back.
• This test is bulk billed, which means that you will not have to pay anything. Please bring your Medicare card or DVA card with you, if you have one.
• There is a waiting list for this test. If you can no longer keep your appointment, or if you have had it performed somewhere else, please call us as soon as possible.

On the day of the test, please park in a 1-hour space or longer. The time on the treadmill for the test is usually less than ten minutes, but the total appointment time may be up to 45 minutes.