How to Prepare
Please bring with you a list of your current medications. This includes prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamin or mineral supplements and herbal remedies.
You must have NOTHING to eat 4 hours before the test but juice or water can still be taken.
Bring with you to your appointment your:
- Health card (OHIP card). If you do not have an OHIP card, please bring another form of government-issued photo ID (such as a driver's license, passport, or other provincial health card). Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment.
Checking In
When you arrive at the
Electrophysiology Department or
Nuclear Cardiology Lab, check in at the reception desk. The receptionist will ask you for:
- Health Card (OHIP Card)
- Your name, address and birth date
Before the Exercise Stress Test
When you check-in, the receptionist will give you a name band to wear. The technologist will call you when it is time for your test. You will be asked to change into a hospital gown.
When you have finished changing, a technologist will take you into the room. They will explain the procedure and ask for your consent.
During and After the Exercise Stress Test
You will walk on a treadmill while being monitored with ECGs and blood pressure. The treadmill speed and incline will increase every 3 min until you are tired or a target heart rate has been reached. A cardiovascular technologist will be with you for the whole test and can stop the treadmill whenever you ask.
The Results of Your Exercise Stress Test
Once the test is completed, the technologist uploads your results to your records. The physician/radiologist will write a report and send it to your doctor.
The technologist can't give you the results during your visit, but once the report is in your health record, your doctor can review it and will give you the results.
The Results of Your Exercise Stress Test
An exercise stress test usually takes approximately 1 hour.
We do everything that we can to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.
