EXERCISE STRESS TEST (EXERCISE ECG)
ABOUT THE TEST:
An exercise stress test is a non-invasive cardiac investigation that assesses how the heart works during physical exertion, when the heart muscle’s demand for oxygen increases. The test is performed on a treadmill or an exercise bike known as a cycle ergometer. During the test, the incline of the treadmill is gradually raised or, on the cycle ergometer, the resistance is increased while a constant pedalling speed is maintained, making the heart work harder. Heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure and the ECG are monitored throughout the exercise stress test.
WHAT THE TEST INVOLVES:
The exercise stress test is performed in a suitably equipped room at the Cardiology Centre at ETER-MED branch no. 1 in Gdańsk, at ul. Jaskółcza 7/15 (ground floor).
Electrodes connected to an ECG recorder are attached to the skin of the chest after any oils have been removed, and a cuff is placed around the arm to monitor blood pressure during the test. An ECG is performed before the test. The exercise stress test begins with slow walking on the treadmill. At intervals, the incline is raised and the speed of the treadmill belt is increased. An exercise stress test on a cycle ergometer involves gradually increasing the resistance while maintaining a constant pedalling speed, giving the person being tested the sensation of cycling at a steady speed up an increasingly steep hill. Throughout this time, the ECG is recorded continuously and blood pressure is recorded periodically, while the doctor supervising the test monitors and assesses any changes. The patient is asked to report any worrying symptoms (chest pain, breathlessness, dizziness or severe fatigue). The exercise stress test continues until the cardiologist decides to stop it, based on the patient’s heart rate or the onset of the symptoms listed above.
PURPOSE OF THE TEST:
The exercise stress test is the most commonly performed electrocardiographic stress test for detecting signs of ischaemic heart disease. It also enables an assessment of the body’s exercise capacity. It allows a detailed assessment of how the heart functions in response to increased physical exertion. This type of cardiac investigation makes it possible to detect and start treating heart disease at an early stage, preventing the development of symptoms that would be noticeable at rest. In addition, an exercise stress test helps establish a rehabilitation plan for people who have had a heart attack or have heart disease, and assess the effectiveness of prescribed medicines.
WHEN THE TEST IS RECOMMENDED:
- Participation in sport, to detect hidden heart defects
- Changes visible on a resting ECG.
- Heart rhythm disorders.
- Assessment for the appropriate stage of rehabilitation after a heart attack or heart transplant.
- Suspected ischaemic heart disease.
PREPARING FOR THE TEST:
It is recommended that you avoid smoking, eating and drinking for about 4 hours before the test. You should also wear comfortable shoes and clothing. Continue or stop your usual medicines as instructed by your cardiologist. The person being tested should have an initial cardiac assessment by the doctor performing the exercise stress test. If there are no contraindications, the test can be repeated as needed.
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO THE TEST:
- Chest pain
- A recent heart attack.
- Unstable angina.
- Unstable coronary artery disease.
- Dangerous heart rhythm disorders.
- Hypertension exceeding 180/110 mm Hg.
- Acute infectious illnesses.
- Musculoskeletal and nervous system conditions that prevent the test from being performed.
HOW LONG DO RESULTS TAKE?
The patient receives the result on the day of the exercise stress test. The result report is issued in Polish. After the test, the cardiologist analyses and describes the findings. The test result is provided as a written report with the ECG recordings attached.
WHERE AND HOW CAN YOU HAVE THE TEST?
In Gdańsk, the exercise stress test is performed at the Cardiology Clinic at ETER-MED branch no. 1, at ul. Jaskółcza 7/15.
Where can I get blood tests without a referral?
Blood collection centres with addresses and opening hours: Warszawa · Wrocław · Łódź · Kraków · Poznań · Gdańsk · Szczecin · Bydgoszcz · all cities.
Order your tests online at BadamySie.pl and have them done at a centre of your choice.