Treadmill Test (TMT) or Exercise Stress Test
With the increasing number of cardiac problems in our country, it has become very crucial to get regular health checkups done. A treadmill test sometimes called a TMT stress test or exercise test, helps your cardiologist find out how well your heart handles its workload. Taking a TMT medical test also helps your doctor know the kind and level of physical activity that’s right for you.
As your body works harder during the TMT test time, it requires more fuel and your heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if there’s a lack of blood supply through the arteries that go to the heart. This test involves walking in place on a treadmill while monitoring the electrical activity of your heart. Throughout the test, the speed and incline of the treadmill increase. The results show how well your heart responds to the stress of different levels of exercise.
Why do you need a Treadmill Test?
Your cardiologist may suggest you for a TMT stress test, in order to find out the following:
- If you have an irregular heartbeat
- If diagnosed symptoms like chest pain, breathing problems are related to heart
- How hard you can exercise
- If the ongoing treatments for heart disease working or not
- If you need another test like coronary angiography to detect narrowed arteries
Preparing for a TMT Medical Test
Prior to your TMT stress test, your cardiologist or the doctor’s team will perform a physical exam and gather your complete medical history. At this point, tell your doctor about your symptoms, especially any chest pains or shortness of breath. There are certainly other factors as well such as:
- Tell your doctor about any medicines that you are taking. Because certain medications shall be avoided prior to the test.
- You may also be asked not to eat, drink or smoke for 3-4 hours before the test. You may drink water.
- Wear comfortable loose-fitting clothes and shoes with rubber soles.
What happens during the TMT stress test?
During the TMT test time you will be guided through these processes:
- You’re hooked up to equipment to monitor your heart.
- You walk slowly in place on the treadmill.
- It tilts so you feel like you’re going up a small hill.
- It changes speeds to make you walk faster.
- You can stop the test at any time if you need to.
- After slowing down for a few minutes, you’ll sit or lie down and your heart and blood pressure will be checked.
What is monitored during the TMT test time?
- Your heart rate
- Your breathing
- Your blood pressure
- Your electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG)
- How tired you feel
Is there any risk associated with the TMT stress test?
The treadmill stress test takes about 45 minutes to complete. There’s a very little risk — no more than if you walked fast or jogged up a big hill. If you are taking a TMT test in Ahmedabad or any other city for that matter, medical professionals will be with you all the time in case anything unusual happens during the test.
If your doctor determines you may have coronary artery disease or other heart problems, they may begin treatments or order more tests, such as a nuclear stress test.
What is the TMT test cost in Ahmedabad?
If you are a resident of Ahmedabad and are looking to get a TMT test in Ahmedabad? As there are many options available in Ahmedabad itself, you must be careful while choosing the best option. If you want someone with great expertise in this area, then Dr. Subhash D. Chaudhari- an Interventional Cardiologist in Ahmedabad, with 5+ years of experience is the answer.
If you have any questions prior to your TMT test in Ahmedabad or want to consult for a TMT stress test in Ahmedabad, drop us a message or contact us directly. We are ready to help you!