Exercise ECG Treadmill Test

A 12-lead ECG is a very useful screening test but may not identify abnormalities which occur on exertion. Patients with exertional symptoms may require ECG assessment during exercise to identify abnormalities that suggest poor blood supply to the heart or arrhythmia.

An Exercise ECG treadmill test is a controlled walking test. The treadmill speed starts slowly and progresses in 3 minute stages to a brisk walk on an incline. During the test, you are monitored closely with continuous 12-lead ECG, interval blood pressure readings and regular questions regarding any development of symptoms. The test is completed when either a predicted target heart rate is achieved, the patient cannot go on any longer, or significant ECG abnormalities are identified. At this point ECG and blood pressure monitoring continues in the recovery phase before completion for the test.

Exercise ECG tests results are analysed closely and, if abnormal, can sometimes lead to further detailed or invasive investigations such as a CT coronary angiogram (CTCA), dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE), nuclear myocardial perfusion scan (MPS) or invasive coronary angiography. Our specialists can organise an Exercise ECG treadmill test after a medical consultation.