ITreadmill exercise test is done to evaluate symptoms
such as chest pain, breathlessness, and easy fatigue.
It is also used to estimate the severity of heart diseases
and the effects of treatment (e.g. surgery and medication).
Preparations before
the test
You may take a light meal 2-3 hours before the test.
Depending on your condition, you may or may not be required
to stop taking certain medications a day or two prior
to the treadmill. Please follow your doctor’s instruction.
You need to wear a pair of jogging shoes to facilitate
the walking exercise that you are required to perform.
A written consent will be obtained before the test.
However if you are below 21 years of age, you
will be required to bring your legal guardian to sign
the consent.
How is the test done?
ECG electrodes will be connected to your chest. (Your
chest hair may need to be shaven). A blood pressure
cuff will be cuffed to your arm. Next, you will be required
to walk on a treadmill machine, which will increase
in speed and slope every 3 minutes in order to stress
your heart in a graduated manner.
The test will be terminated when you are unable to continue
because of extreme breathlessness, chest pain or when
you are instructed by the doctor to stop the exercise.
This procedure will take about 45 minutes.
Is the test safe?
As the test is performed on patients suspected of having
or already
having coronary artery disease, there is a small possibility
that it may
provoke chest pain, irregular heart beat, blood pressure
changes or
even a heart attack. The chance of this happening in
an average patient
is approximately 1 in 10,000.
Can I undergo the test if I
am not feeling well?
No. If you are feeling ill because of fever, runny nose
or acute illness,
you should not proceed with the test. Please call Tel:
68502580
to change the appointment.
Copyright 2006. Changi General Hospital. All Rights Reserved
2 Simei Street 3, Republic of Singapore 529889
Tel: (65) 6788 8833 Fax: (65) 6788 0933 Reg No 198904226R
