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Exercise treadmill ECG How the Test is Performed:
A recording of the activity of the heart ( ECG ) and blood pressure readings are taken while you walk on an exercise treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. The response of the heart to an increased work load is monitored. The test continues until you reach a target heart rate , unless complications such as chest pain with activity develop. Monitoring continues after exercise for 10 to 15 minutes or until the heart rate returns to baseline.
How to Prepare:
Do not eat, smoke, or drink caffeine or alcohol-containing beverages for 3 hours before the test. Continue all medications unless instructed otherwise. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing to permit exercise .
Children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:
How it Feels:
Electrodes (conductive patches) will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs to record the heart's activity. Baseline measurements of heart rate and blood pressure will be taken before exercise starts. You will start walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. The pace of the treadmill may be increased. Rarely, people may experience chest discomfort , palpitations , dizziness , or shortness of breath during the test.
Risks:
Risks associated with this test are collapse , worsening of existing heart disease , stroke , and heart attack .
Why this Test is Performed:
The test is performed to determine causes of chest pain , to determine the capacity of the heart for exercise after cardiac surgery or heart attack , to determine appropriate exercise levels in those initiating an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise. There may be additional indications for this test.
Normal Values:
Heart rate increases normally in proportion to the work load and attains endurance levels appropriate for age and conditioning level.
Abnormal Results:
Abnormal results may indicate arrhythmias during exercise , stress on the heart provoked by exercise, or possible coronary artery disease .
Cost:
The estimated cost is $100.
Special Considerations:
The specificity of this test is controversial, according to some health care providers.
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