Treadmill GXT Stress Test
The treadmill GXT stress test evaluates the blood supply to your heart muscle during periods of exercise (stress) and rest. It measures your heart muscle’s ability to function and can indicate if heart disease is present.
For the test, you will raise your heart rate by walking or jogging on a treadmill. During this time, we constantly monitor the electrical signals from your heart using an electrocardiogram (EKG). Your treadmill GXT stress test and EKG results help us diagnose if you have coronary artery disease. We use this information to create your personalized treatment plan that may include medications and lifestyle recommendations.
Before the test begins, our medical assistant will bring you to a treadmill room and prepare you for the exercise portion of the test. We will collect your medical history, explain the test and answer your questions. At this time, you will need to sign a consent form.
Our medical assistant will use gel to place small plastic pads on your chest. These pads connect to the electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor to measure the electrical signals from your heart. For men, we may need to shave small areas to remove chest hair to ensure the pads stick. We also will take a baseline blood pressure reading.
When the nurse arrives, you will begin walking on the treadmill at a slow pace. Every three minutes, the treadmill will increase in speed and incline. During this time, the nurse monitors your EKG results. As you walk, if you develop any discomfort or need to stop, please tell the nurse immediately.
Once you complete the exercise portion of the test, we will remove the EKG pads. We will send a copy of the report to your referring doctor. The complete process for the treadmill GXT stress test will take about an hour.
- Ask your doctor if you need to stop taking your medications, such as beta-blockers, before the test.
- Avoid food and drink four hours before your appointment. If you eat or drink, you will need to reschedule your test.
- Avoid caffeine, caffeinated beverages or chocolate for 24 hours before your appointment. This includes coffee, tea, cocoa, soda pop and other caffeinated drinks.
- Bring or wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for brisk walking or jogging. Avoid heels or sandals. Avoid wearing a dress, full slip or tight jeans. Wear pants or shorts and a loose-fitting top.
- Bring a list of your current medications or bring your medications in their bottles.
- Take any medications with sips of water unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
- Talk to your doctor and reschedule your test if you are pregnant, may be pregnant or are a nursing mother.
