EKG's/Treadmill Stress Testing

Resting EKG's and treadmill stress tests are ordered as part of the insurance exam, relative to the amount of the insurance policy, age of client and established history of heart disease. Resting EKG's can be performed on a mobile basis. Treadmill stress tests are much more involved and are administered in a hospital or clinical setting by cardiologists and their staff (pictured above). Although requested much less often than resting EKG's as a requirement for determining a client's insurability, we will cover treadmill stress tests first.


What is a Treadmill Stress Test?

A Treadmill Stress Test records the heart's electrical activity (rate and rhythm) during exercise. During the test, the cardiologist and a technician are present.

Electrodes will be placed on the chest the same as for an electrocardiogram (EKG).

The patient will be asked to walk on a motorized treadmill.

The speed and incline of the treadmill will be gradually increased.

The doctor will be looking for changes in the EKG pattern and any symptoms that the patient may experience.

The patient may be on the treadmill for up to 15 minutes, depending upon his level of recovery and cardiovascular conditioning.

The test will be stopped if the patient becomes too tired, or has any symptoms such as angina (chest pain) or vertigo (dizzyness).

The test will last about 30 minutes.

Why is a Treadmill Stress Test done?

This test will help the doctor evaluate the patient's cardiac condition, relating to all of the criteria listed under EKG below, but including the following to determine:

.....if irregular heart rhythms occur during exercise.

.....if there is a decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart with exercise.

.....how hard the heart can work before symptoms develop.

.....how quickly the heart recovers after exercise.

.....the patient's overall level of cardiovascular conditioning.

.....what his exercise target heart rate (THR) should be?

What Preparation is Needed?

Consume only water for four hours prior to test.

No caffeine or smoking at least 4 hours prior to test.

Do not apply lotions, oils or powders to the chest area.

Wear comfortable clothing (shorts or pants with shirt or blouse) and walking or jogging shoes.

It is important for the patient to ask his doctor:

.....how to adjust insulin and food intake prior to the test if he is a diabetic.

.....if he should take his regular medications the morning of the test.

.....if he is on a prescription Beta Blocker, can he discontinue taking this medication 72 hours prior to testing as is recommended for optimal results.


What is an Electrocardiogram or EKG?

An Electrocardiogram is a noninvasive test that records the electrical activity of the heart.

The electrical activity is related to the impulses that travel through the heart and determine the heart's rate and rhythm.

10 electrodes are placed on the chest, arms and legs.

The test takes about five to ten minutes.

Why is an Electrocardiogram Done?

This test will help the doctor to evaluate the patient's cardiac condition to determine:

.....if a "silent" heart attack (MI or myocardial infarction) has occurred.

.....if an MI has occurred and the heart muscle (myocardium) was damaged, what area and to what extent.

.....if there are any irregular heart beats or rhythm that may signal current or developing heart disease.

.....if there is a decreased supply of blood and oxygen to the heart that may require angioplasty, a directional coronary athrectomy (DCA), a stent placement or a CABG (coronary artery bypass graft).

What Preparation is Needed?

There are no restrictions on food, liquid or medications prior to the test.

Do not apply lotions, oils, or powder to the chest.

Hair may be cut or shaved to assure solid contact with patient's skin.

 

 

  

 

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