The test can detect coronary artery issues before symptoms arise.
Treadmill Exercise ECG Stress Test Singapore
A treadmill exercise ECG stress test monitors your heart’s electrical activity while you walk on a treadmill with gradually increasing speed and incline. The test helps cardiologists assess how well your heart functions during physical activity when it needs to work harder than usual. This diagnostic procedure provides valuable information about your heart’s rhythm, blood flow, and overall cardiovascular health.
Dr. Kua Jieli
MBBS (SG)|MRCP (UK)|MMed (Internal Med) (SG)|FAMS (Cardiology, SG)
Indications for Treadmill Exercise ECG
Your cardiologist may recommend this test for several clinical situations:
- Chest pain or discomfort: Investigation of chest symptoms that may suggest coronary artery disease or other heart conditions.
- Shortness of breath during activity: Assessment of breathing difficulties that occur during exercise or physical exertion to determine if they’re related to heart function.
- Irregular heartbeat symptoms: Evaluation of palpitations, skipped beats, or other rhythm disturbances that may become more apparent during physical stress.
- High blood pressure evaluation: Monitoring how your blood pressure responds to exercise to guide treatment decisions.
- Pre-operative assessment: Determining your heart’s fitness before planned surgery, particularly if you have cardiovascular risk factors.
- Monitoring existing heart conditions: Regular follow-up for patients with established coronary artery disease or other cardiac conditions to track progression.
- Family history concerns: Screening for heart disease when you have a strong family history of cardiovascular problems.
Benefits of Treadmill Exercise ECG
Treadmill exercise ECG stress test provides your cardiologist with essential information to assess your heart health and guide treatment decisions.
Early detection of heart disease
Personalised exercise guidance
The results help determine appropriate exercise intensity levels and assist in developing a fitness program with specific heart rate targets for physical activity.
Treatment monitoring
The test evaluates how well your current heart medications are working during physical stress, helping to optimize your treatment plan.
Risk assessment
The results provide valuable insights into your cardiovascular risk profile for future heart problems, guiding preventive care strategies.
Symptom evaluation
The test can help determine whether your symptoms are related to heart problems or other causes, helping direct appropriate treatment approaches.
Preparing for Treadmill Exercise ECG
Proper preparation helps ensure accurate test results and your comfort during the procedure.
Medication Review
Your cardiologist will advise whether to continue or temporarily stop certain heart medications before the test.
Dietary Instructions
Avoid eating large meals for 2-3 hours before your appointment to prevent discomfort during exercise.
Physical Preparation
Avoid strenuous exercise on the day of your test to ensure your baseline measurements are accurate.
What to Expect During Treadmill Exercise ECG
The test follows a systematic approach to monitor your heart’s response to increasing levels of physical activity.
Initial Assessment and Setup |
Your blood pressure and resting heart rate are measured before beginning the test. Small electrodes are attached to your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity throughout the procedure. |
Baseline ECG Recording |
A resting electrocardiogram is taken whilst you stand on the stationary treadmill to establish your normal heart rhythm. This baseline recording serves as a comparison point for changes during exercise. |
Gradual Exercise Progression |
The treadmill starts at a slow, comfortable pace on a slight incline, increasing in speed and gradient every three minutes. You’ll be encouraged to continue until you reach your target heart rate or experience symptoms that require stopping. |
Continuous Monitoring |
Your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms are monitored throughout the test by trained cardiac technicians. The medical team will ask about any discomfort or symptoms you experience during each stage. |
Recovery Phase Monitoring |
After completing the exercise portion, you’ll walk slowly or sit whilst your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal. Monitoring continues for several minutes to observe how quickly your heart recovers from the exercise stress. |
Final Assessment |
Once your heart rate and blood pressure have stabilised, the electrodes are removed and you receive initial feedback about the test. Your cardiologist will review the complete results and discuss findings with you at a follow-up appointment. |
After Care and Recovery
Treadmill exercise ECG stress test provides your cardiologist with essential information to assess your heart health and guide treatment decisions.
Immediate Care
- Post-Test Monitoring: You’ll be monitored for about 10-15 minutes after the test to ensure your heart rate, blood pressure, and any symptoms return to normal.
- Symptom Assessment: If you experience any chest discomfort, breathlessness, or dizziness, the medical team will monitor you until symptoms improve.
Recovery Timeline
- Same Day Recovery: Most patients can return to their usual daily activities immediately after the test without restrictions.
Follow-up Care
- Results Discussion: Your cardiologist will review the full test results with you, usually during a follow-up appointment or phone consultation. They will explain any findings and recommend next steps if needed.
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Potential Risks and Complications
Treadmill exercise ECG stress testing is generally well-tolerated with minimal risks for most patients. Uncommon complications may include chest discomfort, irregular heartbeats, dizziness, or rarely, more serious cardiac events, which is why medical supervision and monitoring equipment are present throughout the procedure.
A consultation with a qualified cardiologist in Singapore will help determine if a treadmill exercise stress test is right for you and ensure the procedure is performed safely and effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I drive myself home after the Treadmill Exercise ECG Stress Test in Singapore?
Yes, most patients can drive themselves home as there are no sedatives or medications given during the procedure. However, if you experience any ongoing symptoms or feel unwell, arrange for someone to collect you.
What if I’m too tired or unfit to complete the test?
Many patients cannot complete the entire protocol due to fatigue, breathlessness, or other symptoms, and this is perfectly normal. The diagnostic information gathered before stopping is often sufficient for your cardiologist to make clinical assessments.
How long do I need to wait for my test results?
Whilst the cardiac technician can provide basic information about how the test proceeded, your cardiologist needs 1-2 weeks to analyse the complete recording and correlate it with your medical history. Urgent abnormalities would be identified immediately if present.
What happens if the test shows something abnormal?
Your cardiologist will discuss any abnormal findings during your follow-up appointment and explain what they mean for your health. Depending on the results, you may need lifestyle changes, medication adjustments, or additional tests to gather more information.
Dr. Kua Jieli
MBBS (SG)|MRCP (UK)|MMed (Internal Med) (SG)|FAMS (Cardiology, SG)
Dr. Kua is a senior consultant cardiologist specialised in interventional cardiology and is the medical director at Carrington Cardiology.
- He is experienced in managing complex coronary artery disease and a variety of other cardiovascular diseases and conditions.
- He also handles difficult coronary interventional procedures such as left main disease, chronic total occlusions, and calcified lesions.
- He served as a Senior Consultant at National University Hospital Singapore and Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and was also the Director of the Cardiovascular Catheterisation Laboratory.
Prior to this, he served as an International Cardiology Fellow and Honorary Consultant at Hammersmith Hospital Imperial Healthcare Trust, where he gained valuable experience in various prestigious healthcare institutions.
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed
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Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
3 Mount Elizabeth, #12-02 Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
Mon to Fri: 09:00am – 05:00pm
Sat: 09:00am – 12:30pm
Sun & Public Holidays: Closed