Treadmill Stress Test

A treadmill stress test is an electrocardiogram (ECG) used to assess the cardiovascular condition during physical effort. While you are walking on a treadmill, your heart’s response to exercise is recorded.

The stress test is used to detect cardiac problems or to assess a medical condition, for example:

  • Identify the cause of chest pain
  • Diagnose or assess the progression of a cardiovascular disease
  • Detect conditions relating to irregular heartbeat, very fast or slow heartbeats, palpitations, dizziness or excessive fatigue
  • Determine a safe intensity level and frequency of physical activity a patient may undertake.

The treadmill stress test is provided by the Cardiology Clinic.

How to access our services?

  • You must have a referral from your physician to pass the treadmill stress test.

About The Program

What to bring

  • Valid Health Card
  • List of all your medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines
  • Comfortable footwear and a bottle of water
  • We recommend that women wear pants and a bra

When you arrive

  • Please use the new Main Entrance and register at one of the self-serve kiosks at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment. Clerks are available to help with the registration process.
  • Upon registering, take a “puck”. It will buzz and light up when your turn comes up and indicate in which room to report.
  • Use the Cardiology door to go to your exam room.

Preparation and procedure

  • Patients with mobility issues should not be referred for this test.
  • The test is a demanding physical effort.
  • Do not eat during the two hours preceding the test.
  • Do not smoke for at least one hour before the test.
  • Your doctor may ask you to stop taking one or more of your medications before the test.
  • Electrodes are attached to your chest. The technologist may shave the skin or use a light sandpaper to ensure the electrodes adhere to your skin. Ensure your skin is clean, dry and free of any oils or creams.
  • The electrodes are connected to a machine that records the electrical activity of the heart.
  • The test is done while walking on a treadmill.
  • You will start to walk slowly, and then the speed of the treadmill will increase gradually. Your heart rate, breathing and blood pressure are closely monitored throughout the test.
  • The test continues until your heart beats fast and you reach your peak capacity, according to your age and medical condition.
  • You must inform the technologist if you feel any pain or discomfort.
  • The test lasts from 15 to 30 minutes.

Test results

  • You will consult with the cardiologist before and after the test and discuss test results.
  • The cardiologist will analyse the recorded data and send a written report to the referring physician within 10 working days.
  • Results will also be available in your electronic medical record. For information on the creation of an account and how to access your electronic medical record, visit MyChart.

The team

  • Cardiologist
  • Cardiology technologist

Business hours

Monday to Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

To book an appointment

613-632-1111, extension 51201
Toll-free 1-800-790-8870, option 1
Fax: 613-636-6175

To reach the Cardiology Department

Telephone: 613-632-1111, extension 51201
Fax: 613-636-6178

Address

HGH – Main Campus
1111 Ghislain Street
Hawkesbury, ON K6A 3G5

The Cardiology Clinic is located in Block A, Level 1. View the hospital plan.

External resources

Referring a patient for a treadmill stress test at HGH

To refer a patient, download the exam request form, fill it out and fax it to 613-636-6175.

Appointment booking line: 1-800-790-8870, extension 82500

 

The Hawkesbury and District General Hospital (HGH) provides more than 40 specialized medical clinics for residents of Prescott-Russell and surrounding region. For a list of clinics, departments and services, visit Refer a patient.