Exercise ECG

An Exercise ECG (also known as an exercise stress test or treadmill test) is a heart test that records your heart’s electrical activity (ECG), heart rate and blood pressure while you exercise. At WA Cardiology, Exercise ECGs are used to assess how your heart responds to physical exertion and to help identify heart conditions that may not be apparent at rest.

Your doctor may request an Exercise ECG to:

• Investigate chest pain, shortness of breath or exercise-related symptoms
• Assess possible coronary artery disease
• Investigate exercise-induced arrhythmias
• Assess exercise tolerance and functional capacity
• Monitor response to cardiac treatment or medication
• Assess fitness for work, surgery or cardiac rehabilitation programs

An Exercise ECG provides information about:

• Heart rhythm during increasing levels of exercise
• Changes in the ECG suggestive of reduced blood flow to the heart
• Heart rate and blood pressure response to exercise
• Exercise capacity and symptom reproduction

This helps your Cardiologist correlate symptoms, exercise performance and heart rhythm changes.

Yes. An Exercise ECG is safe. The test is supervised by trained clinical staff, your heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored continuously and the test can be stopped at any time if you feel unwell or reach your limit. Your safety is the highest priority throughout the test.

Please:

• Avoid eating a large meal for 2–3 hours before the test
• Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes
• Take your medications as directed by your referring doctor (some medications may be withheld – you will be advised by your referring GP if this applies)

• ECG electrodes are placed on your chest
• A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm
• You will exercise on either a bike or treadmill that gradually increases in difficulty
• You will be asked to exercise to the best of your ability to achieve at least a minimum heart rate which is based on your age
• Your ECG, heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored continuously during exercise and for a period after.
• You will be asked to exercise to the best of your ability to achieve beyond a minimum heart rate determined by your age.
• You may be asked how hard you are working and whether you are experiencing any symptoms.

The exercise portion usually lasts 6–12 minutes. Please allow 30 minutes in total for preparation, testing and recovery.

No. The test is not painful. You will experience normal exertion as with brisk exercise. You may stop the test at any time if you feel uncomfortable; however, it is important to exercise as hard as you can so that the test will be diagnostic.

Yes. The test can be stopped at any time if you feel chest discomfort, become short of breath, feel dizzy or unwell or are unable to continue exercising. Please note that if you stop the test prior to reaching a pre-determined target heart rate, the test may be deemed inconclusive.

You will be asked to wait in the waiting rooms for at least 10 minutes before leaving. You may return to normal activities unless advised otherwise.

A Cardiologist reviews the Exercise ECG. If concerning findings are identified, they are communicated promptly. A report is sent to your referring Doctor, who will discuss the results with you. Please allow up to 5 business days for your results to be with your referring Doctor.

In most cases, Medicare provides a rebate when:

• You have a valid referral from a GP or Specialist
• The test meets Medicare eligibility criteria

• Tell staff immediately if you feel unwell during the test
• Seek urgent medical attention if symptoms occur after leaving the clinic
• In an emergency, call 000

If you need to change your appointment, please contact WA Cardiology as early as possible so the appointment can be offered to another patient.

If you have questions before or after your Exercise ECG, please contact WA Cardiology – our clinical and administrative team are happy to help.