Treadmill Stress Test

Completing six minutes may indicate sufficient cardiovascular fitness for some individuals, depending on age, overall health, and conditioning. However, the optimal duration varies, as the test evaluates how your heart responds to increasing stress. Shorter durations could result from symptoms or reaching your target heart rate quickly, which does not necessarily indicate poor fitness. It is best to discuss and clarify your results with your doctor.

A normal stress test range includes reaching a target heart rate (typically 85% of your predicted maximum, based on age), a normal blood pressure response, and no significant ECG changes or symptoms like chest pain. These results suggest good heart function under stress, but it is best to review them with your doctor for a thorough understanding.

During a treadmill stress test, electrodes are attached to your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity using an electrocardiogram (ECG). You will walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike, with the intensity gradually increasing. Throughout the test, your heart rate, rhythm, blood pressure, and any symptoms are closely monitored to assess heart function and identify potential issues.

A stress test cannot directly visualise blockages in coronary arteries. However, it may indicate reduced blood flow to the heart (e.g., ST-segment depression on ECG), prompting further imaging tests like a coronary angiogram to confirm blockages.

Most individuals spend about 10 to 15 minutes in active exercise during the test, though this duration depends on factors such as age, fitness level, and how quickly target heart rates are reached. The total session, including preparation and monitoring, typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes.

A MET (Metabolic Equivalent of Task) score of 10 or higher generally indicates excellent fitness. The expected MET level decreases with age, and age-adjusted norms should be used for interpretation. It is best to discuss your results with your doctor for a more thorough understanding and personalised evaluation.

Concerning stress test results include significant ST-segment depression or elevation on the ECG, abnormal blood pressure responses, arrhythmias, or irregular heart rhythms. Symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath during the test may also indicate an issue. These findings usually require further diagnostic evaluation.

A healthy stress score, such as +5 or higher on the Duke Treadmill Score, indicates a low risk of coronary artery disease. This score is based on factors like exercise duration, ECG changes, and symptoms during the test. It is best to review your results with your doctor for a comprehensive interpretation.

The target heart rate during a treadmill stress test is typically 85% of your maximum heart rate, calculated as 220 minus your age. For example, a 40-year-old would aim for around 153 beats per minute. This target helps ensure the heart is sufficiently stressed to provide meaningful test results.

Failing a treadmill stress test indicates abnormal findings, such as reduced blood flow, arrhythmias, or symptoms like chest pain during the test. It is important to review your results with your doctor, who may recommend further evaluations, such as a coronary angiogram or echocardiogram, to determine the underlying cause.

A normal ECG during a stress test is reassuring but does not rule out all heart conditions. Early-stage disease or small blockages may not cause noticeable ECG changes, so additional tests could still be required. It is best to review your results with your doctor for a more comprehensive understanding.

Drinking excess water before the test may cause discomfort during exercise and potentially affect blood pressure readings. It is important to follow your doctor’s hydration advice, as small sips of water may be allowed.

A stress test is considered positive if it reveals abnormal findings. These may include significant ECG changes, such as ST-segment depression, exercise-induced symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or abnormal blood pressure responses during the test. A positive result typically indicates the need for further diagnostic evaluation to determine the underlying cause.

Yes, even with a normal stress test, heart problems can still exist, particularly in the early stages or with small blockages that may not produce noticeable changes during the test. It is important to discuss your results with your doctor to determine if follow-up tests are needed.

Wear comfortable, exercise-friendly clothing, such as a breathable top and flexible bottoms. Choose suitable walking or jogging shoes and bring essentials like a towel and water.