Chadwick Medical Associates

The purpose of a cardiovascular stress test is to determine whether your heart gets adequate blood flow during stress or exercise. Prior to the procedure you should avoid caffeinated beverages, though you may eat a light meal up to two hours before the exercise. It is a good idea to bring comfortable tennis shoes and loose-fitting pants.

When you arrive for the test, you will be asked to undress to the waist. The skin on your chest will be cleaned, and EKG wires applied. You will then be asked to walk on a treadmill until you get too tired to continue, or you experience symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. A cardiologist and a technologist will be present to monitor your blood pressure and electrocardiogram continuously.