I'm having one on Friday and I know what the procedure is, but, I just wanted to hear from others who went through this on how the treadmill part of it was, was it very difficult to get through? I'm a little nervous about that part of the testing! Even though I walk on the treadmill 3 days per week for 20 minutes, I'm just worried about passing out!LOL!

Hi karic,

The entire treadmill exercise test takes about 20 minutes. With each increment of 4 minutes there is a gradual increase in the incline and speed. It will start level and a speed of about 3 mph.

There will be a doctor monitoring the output of vital signs. Whether or not you can safely complete the test is a matter for discussion between you and your doctor. There is an alternative procedure with an injection of a chemical that will excite your system to the same degree as physical exercise.

It was easy.... you'll be fine!

I found it tedious and the last half was done with a burning heartburn mid-chest with the doctor annoyingly chanting "Can you work through it?"
The test was useless...I got a clean bill of health: "Excellent performance quotient for a man his age," but the test missed a nearly complete blockage of the main trunk of the Right Coronary Artery.

A horrible waste of my time and effort!

Unless it's done with a nuclear isotope it's a bad test unless done merely for routine screening...IMHO.

I found it tedious and the last half was done with a burning heartburn mid-chest with the doctor annoyingly chanting "Can you work through it?"
The test was useless...I got a clean bill of health: "Excellent performance quotient for a man his age," but the test missed a nearly complete blockage of the main trunk of the Right Coronary Artery.

A horrible waste of my time and effort!

Unless it's done with a nuclear isotope it's a bad test unless done merely for routine screening...IMHO.

In response I would say the test was poorly admministered and their results are questionable due to incompetence.

I say that because it is not professional to insist someone to continue a test when angina or angina like symptoms are being experience. If the testing person is relying completely on the test output while the test is in progress, it is taking for granted the equipment is always accurately calibrated and functioning properly and that may be a mistake. Equipment does fail and requires timely calibration. Also, what defense would there be if a person takes advantage of the situation and says the test has injured them?

Lenin,

Quote:"I found it tedious and the last half was done with a burning heartburn mid-chest with the doctor annoyingly chanting 'Can you work through it'?"

Did the written report of the test state you were experiencing chest pain but the test continued? This is a classic case of malpractice IF TRUE! It is difficult to believe an intelligent person would risk the contuation of a test while in pain, and/or a doctor permit further testing when the patient is experiencing pain!

Don't be so quick to criticize the stress test as ineffective; interpretation and administration requires some skill.

The written report LIED...it said "no evidenc of ischemia" after my having complained at least a half dozen times. I even asked (while huffing, puffing and BURNING), "Are you SURE it's safe to continue?"
He was relying 100% on the running ECG.
You have no idea the rage that welled up in me when I read that report!

The man (2 cardiologists actually) should have been brought up on charges. Even when running for a bus I knew that if I felt THE BURN, to say "it's time to wait for the next bus!" And that was BEFORE any diagnosis, only common sense.

It's been 7 years since that test and I STILL get furious when I think of that quack! I wish I could give his name, but I know there's legal risk if I do so I sha'nt! :D

Ken,
Since my sample of one turned out to be 100% wrong, I can only conclude the test is not worth doing. One must use the data he is presented with. Any subsequent tests for angina (and I really should have one done in a couple weeks) MUST include a nuclear scan or "I ain't playin!'"

Happy Festivus!

I'd be upset,too. Unfortunately, there is time when one doesn't have the necessary knowledge of heart conditions and unwavering trust in their doctor.