An Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) allows the physician to evaluate whether the blood supply to your heart is sufficient during different levels of exercise. An ETT also helps your physician determine the type and level of exercise that is right for you.
How do I prepare?- Eat a light breakfast (toast and juice) four hours prior to testing.
- Avoid anything with caffeine in it such as coffee, tea, or carbonated beverages.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes that allow jogging (sneakers recommended)
- Take your usual medications unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
- Bring a list of your current medications and their dosages to the test.
- If you are a diabetic, ask your physician how much medication you should take the morning of the test.
- No smoking the day of the test.
An ETT may be done to diagnose conditions such as coronary artery disease or to determine the cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or light-headedness. It may also be used to check the effectiveness of cardiac procedures or predict the future risk of a heart-related condition such as heart attack.
What are the risks?There is very little risk – no more than if you walked fast or jogged up a hill. Medical professionals are on hand in case anything unusual happens during the test.
What can I expect during the test?- A certified technologist will hook you up to an EKG monitor that will record your heart rate and rhythm.
- A resting EKG will be done before the test begins.
- You will be asked to walk on a treadmill. The treadmill starts slowly and then increases in speed and incline. (Should you develop chest discomfort, dizziness, or shortness of breath, leg fatigue or cramps, let the technologist know immediately.)
- After your exercise, you will relax for a while.
- Your EKG and blood pressure will be checked during that time.
- Expect to be at the hospital for approximately one hour.
How do I find out the results?You may receive preliminary results at the time of the test. A final interpretation will be given to your doctor, who will talk to you about the findings.