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Preparation
During a stress EKG, your heart rate and blood pressure will be measured while you walk on a treadmill
or ride a bike. Your heart rhythm will be monitored on a screen. Preparation for this test is minimal.
- Medication: Refrain from taking your blood pressure and other heart medications (except warfarin (coumadin) therapy) the night before and the day of your study. You can take your cholesterol medication as scheduled. If you're not sure which medications you should not take, please ask Dr. Moore.
- Clothing: Wear loose comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You'll walk on a treadmill or ride a bike, so dress appropriately. Please do not wear dresses or open-toed shoes. Do not wear perfume, lotions, oils or powders on your chest.
- Consent: Prior to the test, you'll be asked to sign a consent form. Please don't hesitate to ask questions prior to the test.
Test
During this test, you'll:
- Have EKG electrodes attached to your chest and a blood pressure cuff attached to your arm
- Walk on a treadmill
You'll begin with a slow pace. Approximately every three minutes, Dr. Moore or a member of his team
will gradually increase the pace. Don't worry. The team will carefully monitor your blood pressure and
heart rate, as your body reacts to the faster pace and your heart rate increases. At your peak pace,
you'll continue to exercise for an additional two to three minutes.
While walking on the treadmill, your heart rhythm, blood pressure and electrocardiogram will all be
monitored closely. This evaluation is commonly performed to assess an individual's exercise capacity,
risk of arrhythmia, and to screen for the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) blockage. If your
test results indicate a problem, Dr. Moore may order more tests. He also will work with you to create
an appropriate care plan to address the problem. Resume your normal medication schedule after the test.
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