What you should know (cardiac stress test)

On the day of your Cardiac Stress Test, you should exclude caffeine, alcohol and smoking. If you are taking heart or blood pressure medications, check with your physician whether you are to stop the medication before the test.

You may have a light meal approximately two hours before your appointment.  Bring loose-fitting, comfortable, short-sleeved exercise clothing and rubber-soled shoes.  Do not wear a dress or skirt.  Women must wear a bra for exercise.  Please do not wear jewellery for your test.

When you arrive for your Cardiac Stress Test, we will explain the procedure to you.  We will attach a blood pressure cuff to your arm and ECG electrodes on your chest.  You will be walking or running on a treadmill until your heart reaches its target heart rate, or until you become tired.  There will be a five-minute rest period after the test.  Please allow one hour to complete your test.