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A Treadmill Test is a useful procedure,
which has been utilized by physicians for the past 40 years or so. This
procedure can be safely performed in an office or hospital setting.
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What
is a Treadmill Test? |
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The object of the test is to raise the heart rate. This stresses the
heart so that any potential ischemia (lack of blood flow to a particular
area of the heart) can be brought on by the exercise itself. The heart
at rest requires considerably less blood than the heart with exercise.
The exercise done during the test can show any reduction in blood
flow caused by a narrowed artery. The procedure itself usually takes
about 45 minutes to complete. |
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What
will I have to do? |
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The test is accomplished by walking on a moving belt at a gradually
increasing speed and slope for a pre-determined period of time. The
object is to walk until a target (desired) heart rate is reached.
As a general rule, the patient's EKG is monitored continuously before,
during and for six or eight minutes after the exercise stops.
Practically, the treadmill study takes into account the patient's
age, the patient's lifestyle and activity level. |
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How
can walking tell you my arteries are narrow? |
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The EKG taken before, during and after exercise will usually show
changes with the increasing heart rate if narrowed arteries are present.
This test is around 70% accurate in men and probably 50% accurate
in women for rather complicated reasons. |
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Is
the test safe? |
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The study is quite safe and carries with it a very low risk of complications
(less than 0.1%). The complication rate is less than one would encounter
if he/she were walking fairly briskly up a small hill. A physician
and a technician are present for the duration of the procedure. |
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What
should I wear? Can I eat? |
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We ask that you wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. We prefer
that you not have any food and minimal fluids prior to the procedure.
You will be able to take your medicines the morning of the test unless
otherwise instructed. |
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When
will I get the results? |
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Your cardiologist will either discuss your results after the test
or an appointment will be made to discuss your results soon thereafter.
Our staff will give you more detailed instructions at the time of
scheduling. |
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