Cardiology - Exercise Tolerance Test

Your doctor or specialist nurse would like you to have a test called an exercise tolerance test.

This test measures how your heart responds to exercise and can help tell your doctor or specialist nurse:

• If there are problems affecting your ability to exercise. For example if you feel pain and there are changes on the ECG when you exercise, this could mean that the pain comes from your heart
• How your condition is changing with time or with treatment

Please discuss any worries you may have before you agree to the test.

 
What will happen during the procedure?

The test is performed on a treadmill. If you cannot do any exercise because you have another physical condition, such as severe arthritis or lung disease, please inform your doctor or specialist nurse.

You may be asked to sign a pre-test questionnaire with reference to your symptoms and medical history.

The test will be carried out by two senior qualified clinical cardiac physiologists or a specialist nurse and a clinical cardiac physiologist.

You will be asked to remove your clothing down to the waist (a gown is provided for female patients) and ECG (electrocardiogram) electrodes (sticky patches) will be put on your chest, to measure your heart’s response during the test.  Your blood pressure will be checked before, during and after the test.

You will be shown how to walk on the treadmill. This starts at a very easy rate, but the speed and incline of the treadmill will increase every three minutes. You will be asked to continue until you are too tired, too breathless or unable to continue for any other reason, e.g. bad chest pains. It can be strenuous however the value of the test is much greater if you walk for as long as you can. You will be asked to say if you have any symptoms such as breathlessness, chest, jaw or arm pain, or light-headedness. It is important to tell the staff if you experience these symptoms during and/or after the test.

What are the risks?

There are some risks associated with the test.

Occasionally:

• Abnormal heart beats
• Increasing chest pain - this will usually settle with medication

Rarely:

• You may need to stay in hospital until everything has settled down
• You may feel faint/dizzy
• There is a small risk of joint or muscle injury

Very rarely:

• Some patients can have a heart attack as a result of the test

These are small risks. Without the test your doctor or specialist nurse cannot be sure if your symptoms are caused by heart disease. This might cause delay to vital treatment for you.

Untreated heart disease can lead to heart attack and even death. Many people believe it is better to find out and be treated.

After the test?

The full results will be sent to the doctor or specialist nurse who requested the test and who may wish to see you again.

What do I need to do before the test?

• Do not eat a heavy meal, drink alcohol or smoke for at least two hours before your test
• Do not do any strenuous exercise on the day of the test
• Take your normal medications unless the doctor or nurse specialist who has asked for the test has advised otherwise
• Bring a list of your current medication with you

What do I need to wear?

Please wear shorts/jogging bottoms or a suitable skirt if possible, but normal clothing is fine provided it is comfortable.

Please also bring with you a suitable pair of shoes to walk in.

My notes to discuss before my test