An exercise treadmill test (also known as a stress test) is a common method to test how effectively your heart is working, and to identify signs of heart disease.

During the test, you’ll walk or jog on a treadmill while connected to heart monitoring equipment.

After starting with a slow walk to warm up, we will increase the pace and incline of the treadmill. While you’re exercising, we will be monitoring your heart rate, heart electrical activity through EKG, breathing rate and blood pressure. We will also periodically ask how you’re feeling to gauge your perceived effort. The test will continue until you reach your target heart rate or feel exhausted. 

Once the test is complete, you will sit or lie down for a few minutes as we assess how your body recovers. The test is not intended to be painful, though you will be supervised and may ask to stop at any time if you feel chest pain or dizziness. Since you will be exercising, we recommend you wear comfortable clothes and sneakers the day of your treadmill test.