Graded Exercise Testing
(GXT or
stress test or treadmill test)
What is a treadmill test?
A treadmill test consists of walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike,
while being monitored to determine if you have a heart condition. During this
test, the level of work will start out very light and increase gradually until
either symptoms occur, your physician has enough information to make a diagnosis,
or you reach a predetermined heart rate.
Are there any special
preparation?
There is one important preparation
that you need to take, before your graded exercise test. Ask your doctor
if there are any medicine he or she does not want you to take prior to the
test
What is a Cardiolite Stress
Test?
In addition to the
regular portion of the stress test, your doctor may also want a scan of your heart
using Cardiolite. Cardiolite is a radioactive material, which is cleared from
your body naturally. The amount of radiation you will be exposed to, is equal to
an X-ray or CAT Scan. Cardiolite will allow the physician to compare
the blood flow to the heart during rest and after the stress test. The first
injection of Cardiolite will be given approximately 11/2 hours before your
stress test. During this time, a small needle will be inserted into a vein
(probably in your arm) and you will be given a small amount of Cardiolite. Following
this, you will be placed under a camera for pictures to be taken of your heart.
This will last for about 25 minutes. The same process will be followed after the stress test is completed.
Are
there any further instructions?
If you are having a Cardiolite Scan, do
not eat, drink caffeinated beverages, or smoke
or chew tobacco, 6 hours prior to the test.
How
does the heart monitor work?
Ten (10) patches will be placed on different spots
of your chest. These patches
will be
connected to a machine, which will allow the physician to monitor your
heart.
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