Preparing for Your Exercise Stress Test

Coronary artery disease affects 126 million people worldwide, causing 9 million deaths every year. Stress testing is a diagnostic tool that helps diagnose CAD and other heart problems when they don’t show up on a resting electrocardiogram (EKG).

At Keven Tagdiri, M.D. in Encinitas, California, we often recommend stress tests to help diagnose heart problems, assess symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or monitor how well specific heart treatments work.

If you have an exercise stress test scheduled, here’s what you need to know to feel confident and ready for your appointment.

How an exercise stress test works

An exercise stress test measures how your heart responds to physical activity. During the test, you walk on a treadmill (or sometimes ride a stationary bike). At the same time, our team monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, and electrical activity through an EKG.

As the test goes on, the speed and incline of the treadmill gradually increase. The goal is to raise your heart rate in a controlled and safe environment so we can detect signs of heart problems.

Reasons you might need an exercise stress test

We might recommend a stress test to:

• Investigate symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath
• Check for blocked arteries or other heart conditions
• See how well your heart works after a heart attack or heart procedure
• Guide treatment for known heart disease
• Assess your fitness before starting an exercise program

Stress testing gives us important insights into how your heart functions under stress.

Preparing for your exercise stress test

Good preparation helps ensure accurate results, so follow these guidelines carefully.

The night before your test, avoid heavy meals, alcohol, and caffeine; they can affect your heart rate and blood pressure. You may need to stop taking certain prescription medications, like beta-blockers, for a short time before the test. But don’t stop anything without asking us first.

On the day of your test, arrive early to check in and relax before the test begins.

Wear comfortable clothing with sneakers or walking shoes. The test involves exercise, so dress as if you’re going for a brisk walk. Don’t eat or drink for 2-4 hours before your test unless told otherwise. A light meal may be okay earlier in the day.

Bring a list of your medications. You likely discussed your meds with us already, but it’s a good idea to bring a list so we can double-check.

During the test

Once you check in, a technician places small sticky patches called electrodes on your chest. These connect to the EKG machine that tracks your heart’s electrical signals. Ask questions if you have any concerns — we want you to feel informed and comfortable.

You begin walking on the treadmill at a slow pace, then the speed and incline increase every few minutes. We monitor how your heart responds at each stage. The test usually lasts 10-15 minutes, but we may stop it sooner if:

• You reach your target heart rate
• You develop symptoms like chest pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath
• The EKG shows changes that require stopping

Let us know if you have joint pain, breathing issues, or other physical concerns that could affect your ability to walk on a treadmill. Be honest about your symptoms, before and during the test. 

If you’re unable to exercise, we may use medication that simulates the effect of exercise on your heart instead.

After the test

After the exercise, you cool down while we continue to monitor your heart as it returns to a resting state.

It’s normal to feel tired after an exercise stress test, and some people feel short of breath for a few minutes (especially if they aren’t used to exercise). Most patients return to their usual activities right after the test.

We then review your results and explain what they mean. We may tell you everything looks good or recommend further tests, such as an imaging stress test or a heart scan. We can also adjust your treatment plan if we find signs of heart disease.

If you have an upcoming exercise stress test, you’re in good hands. We walk you through every step and ensure you receive the care you need.

Contact Keven Tagdiri, M.D., today to learn more about exercise stress testing. Call the office or request an appointment online.