Fact Sheet Treadmill EKG

The test which is performed on a treadmill with the amount of effort (beginning with a walk and progressing as tolerated to a run) increasing gradually through several 3 minute stages. With the increase in effort through the various stages symptoms such as general fatigue, sweating, shortness of breath or leg fatigue will occur. Other symptoms such as dizziness, lightheadedness or chest discomfort might occur. If these symptoms do appear the test will be discontinued. You will be asked to exercise as long as you can, and you may stop at any point. The test is only useful if you attain at least 85% of your maximal heart rate. During the performance of the test a physician or his trained observer will keep under surveillance heart rate, blood pressure and electrocardiogram. The test itself lasts anywhere from 9 to 20 minutes depending on you physical conditioning. You will have electrodes attached to your chest, shoulders and abdomen during the test. You will be asked to lie down for about 15 minutes after the test as we monitor you blood pressure and electrocardiogram during the recovery phase. Plan on 1 hour for the entire test period.


You will be informed that there exists the possibility of certain changes occurring during the testing. These include, but are not limited to, an abnormal blood pressure, fainting, disorders of heart rhythm and very rarely a heart attack. Every effort will be made to minimize any of these changes by a preliminary examination and by observation during the testing. These complications are generally thought to occur in less than one in every ten thousand tests, but the risk in any individual may vary. Emergency equipment and trained personnel are available to deal with unusual situations which may arise.


In general, the test is well tolerated by most patients and is not as difficult as it first sounds. If you have any serious impairment that might prevent you from walking fast or jogging, please notify us prior to the test as modifications in the test protocol can be made in some cases.


Please be sure and bring clothing suitable to exercise such as shorts or sweat pants and running shoes or similar comfortable footwear. Women should also bring a loose fitting T-shirt or blouse.

The following information is for a test called an treadmill EKG, exercise electrocardiogram or stress test. The test is intended to evaluate your cardiovascular system and determine if you are suffering from coronary artery disease which is blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle itself.

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American Para Professional System Alaska/Oregon/Washington/ Regional Offices 1997