Show Menu
Duval: (904) 423-0010 St. Johns: (904) 342-8300 Clay: (904) 375-8100 Flagler: (386) 446-9966 Cath Lab: (904) 312-9810

Cardiac Stress Test

Cardiac Stress Test

The cardiac stress test involves walking on a treadmill or moving belt and will show how your heart works when you are physically active. During the test you will be attached to an Electrocardiogram ( EKG). This will record the electrical activity of your heart. You will also have your blood pressure recorded at regular intervals. The test has many stages, each lasting three minutes. The speed and incline of the treadmill will increase at each stage. An Exercise Tolerance Test is performed on people who have chest pains or symptoms of angina. A positive result will confirm a diagnosis of coronary artery disease. If the test is positive your cardiologist will then choose the next intervention necessary to confirm the extent of the coronary artery disease.

During the test a nurse or medical assistant will monitor your other vital signs, such as breathing and body temperature.

  1. How Is the Test Performed?
    Electrode patches will be attached to your body. These patches are connected to the EKG monitor, which will record your heart rate throughout the test. You will then be asked to begin exercising on the treadmill. When your heart rate has increased to a certain level, you will stop and rest. Your heart will continue to be checked until the rate returns to normal.
  2. Pre-procedure
    Do not eat, drink or smoke for three hours prior to the test. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing.
  3. During the Test
    You may feel tired from the exercise. Additionally, some people with sensitive skin have reported slight irritation from the electrode patches; skin cream or lotion can help reduce irritation after the patches are removed.
  4. What Can My Doctor Learn From This Test?
    This test can provide valuable information about the condition of your heart. If you experience chest pain or if you recently had a heart attack or heart surgery, the test can confirm how much physical activity your heart can handle or the amount of exercise that is best for you. It can also identify abnormal heart rhythms that occur when you are physically active.

Thank you for visiting!

Did you find what you were looking for?

Please contact us at 904-342-8300 to find out more about our practice
or to schedule an appointment with any of our cardiologists.