Exercise tolerance testing Information for patients Sheffield Teaching Hospitals
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What is an exercise tolerance test? An exercise tolerance test is also known as an exercise ECG or stress test. It is an electrocardiogram (ECG) that is recorded while you are walking on a treadmill. The aim of the test is to see how your heart works when you are more active. What can an exercise tolerance test show? The exercise tolerance test helps doctors find out if you have coronary heart disease, as it shows whether your heart muscle is getting enough blood from the coronary arteries during physical activity. An exercise tolerance test is also helpful for looking at how well your heart is working after heart surgeries and procedures, such as coronary bypass surgery or coronary angioplasty. An exercise tolerance test may also be useful if you have symptoms brought on by exercise, such as palpitation, dizziness or shortness of breath. How long will it take? The whole test takes about 15-30 minutes depending on how much exercise you do. Who will perform my exercise tolerance test? Your exercise tolerance test will be performed by a cardiac physiologist who has been specially trained to perform the investigation. The cardiac physiologist may be male or female. If you would prefer a cardiac physiologist of the same gender as yourself please contact the department before your appointment. Alternatively, if you would like a chaperone for your investigation please let the staff in the department know once you arrive and a formal chaperone can be arranged. Unfortunately due to the nature of the test, you would not be able to bring a friend or family member into the investigation room. page 3 of 8
What happens during an exercise tolerance test? You will be asked to undress from the waist upwards, ladies may keep their bras on. Small sticky patches called electrodes will be attached to your chest and connected to an ECG recorder. A blood pressure cuff will also be placed on you arm. You will be asked to walk on the treadmill, starting off at a comfortable pace. The test will get gradually harder by increasing the speed and/or slope of the machine. You should try to work as hard as you can, but tell the cardiac physiologist if you get tired or very short of breath or start getting chest pain or discomfort. You will be carefully monitored throughout the test and the cardiac physiologist will tell you when to stop. An exercise tolerance test should make your heart work harder than normal, but the cardiac physiologist will not make you exercise beyond your ability. Most people manage to complete an exercise tolerance test, but if you re finding it too difficult, or you start to feel any chest pain or discomfort, you can ask for the test to stop. What do I need to do to prepare? You should wear loose fitting clothing such as a T-shirt, blouse or shirt that unbuttons down the middle. This will allow the cardiac physiologist to easily apply the electrodes to your chest. Wear shoes and avoid having a heavy meal a few hours before the test. You may also be advised to stop taking certain heart medications for one or two days before the test as they may affect the result. If we require you to stop any medication we will advise you of this with your appointment letter. If you have not been requested to stop any medication please continue to take all medication as usual. page 4 of 8
Is an exercise tolerance test safe? An ETT is done without any problems in the vast majority of cases. However, there is a small risk a serious complication could occur. Risks associated with the testing procedure are rare and include fainting, falling, irregularities of heart beat, and, very rarely, heart attack or death (less than 1 in 10,000 cases). Medical help is near to hand to deal with any possible problems. When will I get my results? The test results will be sent to your hospital consultant who is responsible for explaining them to you. Unfortunately, the cardiac physiologist is unable to give you the results at the time of the investigation. However, if a significant abnormality is detected you may be asked to see a doctor while you are at the hospital. Can I ask any questions? Yes, the cardiac physiologist will be able to answer any questions related to the test. However they will not be able to answer any medical or medication related questions. Will I be seen by a doctor? No, you will not normally be seen by a doctor. page 5 of 8
Where can I find out more information? If you would like more information you can contact staff in the department who will be happy to answer any questions you may have: 0114 271 4315 There are also several organisations that are available to help and inform people about cardiac conditions. These include: British Heart Foundation 0300 330 332 www.bhf.org.uk Arrhythmia Alliance 01789 450787 www.heartrhythmcharity.org.uk page 6 of 8
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Produced with support from Sheffield Hospitals Charity Working together we can help local patients feel even better To donate visit www.sheffieldhospitalscharity.org.uk Registered Charity No 1169762 Alternative formats can be available on request. Please email: alternativeformats@sth.nhs.uk Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust 2018 Re-use of all or any part of this document is governed by copyright and the Re-use of Public Sector Information Regulations 2005 SI 2005 No.1515. Information on re-use can be obtained from the Information Governance Department, Sheffield Teaching Hospitals. Email infogov@sth.nhs.uk PD8739-PIL3710 v2 Issue Date: February 2018. Review Date: February 2021