An Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT), through the use of exercise treadmill can be useful for identifying early signs of coronary artery disease. You may also hear this test called an exercise ECG. Although you may have had a resting Electrocardiogram (ECG) which can detect and demonstrate a number of abnormalities, the presence of a normal resting ECG does not rule out the possibility of significant coronary artery disease. Therefore, an Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT) can provide the cardiologist with more accurate and useful information.

The stress test is conducted in a closely supervised situation. You will be attached to the ECG recording monitor just as you were for the resting ECG. You will then sit on a bike or stand on a treadmill, which will begin to move very slowly. Progressively, as you become accustomed to the pace, the workload will be increased. All the time, the nurses will be monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure and looking carefully at the ECG for any changes. You will be asked to report any chest pain/tightness during the test.

You will be allowed to recover whilst we monitor the ECG and when your heart rate and blood pressure have returned to normal the test is finished. The Cardiologist will review and analyse your exercise test. You will receive the results immediately.