An exercise (stress) ECG — also called a treadmill test — records the electrical activity of your heart while you walk on a treadmill at gradually increasing speeds and inclines. It shows how your heart, blood pressure and rhythm respond to exertion, and is a widely used investigation for exertional chest pain, exercise-induced symptoms and certain occupational and licensing assessments.
An exercise ECG is a supervised, standardised treadmill test that continuously monitors the ECG, heart rate and blood pressure while your heart is placed under a controlled increase in workload. It is used to detect ECG changes that suggest reduced blood flow to the heart muscle during exertion, to assess exercise capacity, and to screen for exercise-induced arrhythmias or blood-pressure abnormalities.
Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to an ECG monitor. A blood-pressure cuff records your blood pressure at intervals throughout the test. You walk on a treadmill following the Bruce protocol — the speed and incline are stepped up every three minutes. The test is stopped when you reach a target heart rate, feel unable to continue, or if the ECG or blood pressure show a reason to stop. Continuous monitoring continues into the recovery period.
Wear comfortable clothing and trainers suitable for walking on a treadmill. You can eat a light meal beforehand — avoid a heavy meal in the two hours before the test. Bring a list of your medications. Some heart medications (particularly beta-blockers) may need to be temporarily paused before the test — Dr Laskar will advise. Allow around 45 minutes in clinic. A preliminary result is discussed with you before you leave.
The treadmill portion typically lasts 6–12 minutes, with monitoring continuing for several minutes into recovery. Allow around 45 minutes in clinic in total.
Yes. Exercise ECGs are routinely performed and closely supervised throughout by a consultant cardiologist, with continuous ECG and blood-pressure monitoring. Serious complications are rare.
Some medications, particularly beta-blockers, can blunt the heart-rate response and may need to be temporarily paused. Do not stop any medication without checking with Dr Laskar first.
Comfortable clothing and supportive trainers. Avoid oils, creams or moisturisers on your chest so the ECG electrodes stick properly.
Dr Laskar reviews the trace during and immediately after the test and discusses the results with you before you leave. A written report is sent afterwards.
No. You can self-refer and book directly online. A copy of the report can be sent to your GP with your consent.