When Is Treadmill Testing Needed?

A treadmill test can provide important information about the health of your heart. Your Tomball, TX, cardiologist, Dr. Daljit Muttiana of Cardiovascular Institute may recommend the test to determine how well your heart works when you exercise or are active.

Do you need a treadmill test?

A treadmill test, also called a stress test, may be ordered to:

Assess Your Heart Health: Some chronic diseases, like diabetes, can damage your heart. A treadmill test will reveal any damage and help you ensure that you get the care you need if your heart is damaged. Periodic treadmill tests may also be needed if you've been diagnosed with heart disease.
Determine if Your Symptoms are Caused by a Heart Issue: Shortness of breath, fatigue, lack of stamina, or chest pain can be caused by a heart or lung problem. A treadmill test will help your doctor determine if a heart issue is the source of your symptoms. The test is particularly important if you are overweight, older, or have high cholesterol, as these factors may increase your risk of coronary artery disease.
Make Sure You're Healthy Enough to Exercise: If you're planning to begin a new exercise routine after being inactive or want to increase the intensity of your workout, a treadmill test can help your cardiologist determine if your heart can handle exercise.
Assess Heart Health After a Heart Attack or Procedure: During a visit to the Tomball cardiology office, your heart doctor may recommend a treadmill test to evaluate how well your heart functions following a heart attack or heart procedure.

What happens during a treadmill test?

Before the test begins, electrodes will be attached to your chest, arms, and legs. The electrodes send information about your heart's electrical activity to a machine that records the signals. Blood pressure and heart rate measurements are also recorded during the test.

After the electrodes are applied, you'll start running on the treadmill. You'll begin slowly and gradually increase your speed until you reach your target heart rate. The test only takes about 10 or 15 minutes but can be stopped earlier if your doctor notices any issues with your heart.

Your cardiologist in Tomball, TX, Dr. Muttiana, helps you keep your heart healthy. Call Cardiovascular Institute at (281) 357-5700 to schedule an appointment today.

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