Exercise Treadmill ECG
What is an Exercise Treadmill ECG (ETEC)?
An Exercise Treadmill ECG is a test that monitors your heart’s electrical activity while you exercise on a treadmill. The test helps assess how the heart responds to physical stress by recording the electrocardiogram (ECG) as you walk or jog on a treadmill with increasing intensity.
Why is an Exercise Treadmill ECG performed?
It is used to evaluate the heart’s ability to handle physical exertion, diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), assess symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, and monitor patients with known heart disease or those recovering from a heart attack.
How is the Exercise Treadmill ECG performed?
During the test, electrodes are placed on your chest to record your heart’s electrical activity. You will then walk on a treadmill, which gradually increases in speed and incline. The test is stopped when you reach a target heart rate, experience symptoms, or the doctor determines it is necessary. The ECG readings are continuously monitored throughout.
What are the benefits of an Exercise Treadmill ECG?
The test provides valuable information about how the heart performs under stress, helping doctors identify issues like blocked arteries or abnormal heart rhythms that might not appear during rest. It can also help in evaluating the effectiveness of heart treatments or medications.
Are there any risks or side effects with Exercise Treadmill ECG?
The test is generally safe, but there is a small risk of complications, especially if there is pre-existing heart disease. These risks include abnormal heart rhythms, chest pain, or, in rare cases, a heart attack. However, the test is performed under medical supervision, and immediate help is available if needed.