top of page

Exercise Stress Test

An exercise stress test is used to screen for the effects of exercise on your heart.

There will be a $50 missed appointment fee or if cancelled with less than 24 hour notice,

Treadmill

BEFORE YOU COME

There are a few things we would like you to do prior to your appointment:

​

  1. Bring a current list of your medications (or better yet, bring them in their original bottles!)

  2. Wear loose & comfortable clothing/shoes that are fit for exercise

  3. Please refrain from eating, smoking, or drinking beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for 2 hours prior to your appointment

  4. Please arrive 10-15 minutes before your scheduled time to fill out paperwork (or better yet, print it from the 'More Information' section below, under 'Exercise Stress Test Forms' and bring a completed version with you!)

WHEN YOU'RE HERE

This test is performed in Medical Centre 1

Suite 206, 430 The Boardwalk, Waterloo, ON

Please head to the CPS Registration Desk and we will direct you from there.

A technologist will place 10 electrodes (small stickers) on your chest to monitor and record the electrical activity of your heart during the test. You will then walk on a treadmill. Roughly every 3 minutes, you will be asked to walk faster and on a slightly greater incline. It will feel like walking quickly or jogging up a slight hill. Along with the continuous monitoring of your heart rate and rhythm (electrocardiogram), blood pressure readings will also be taken at various intervals. 

​

The test will continue until:

  • You reach a target heart rate

  • You develop chest pain or an excessive change in blood pressure

  • The electrocardiogram shows that your heart is not getting enough oxygen

  • You are too tired, or are experiencing other symptoms (shortness of breath, or leg pain) that is keeping you from continuing

How long will my appointment be?

30 mins

AFTER YOU LEAVE

One of our cardiologists will then interpret the entirety of the test, write a report, and send the results to your doctor.

More Information

There are many reasons why your doctor may have ordered an exercise stress test. 

​

A stress test is helpful to diagnose:

  • New or worsening chest pain or shortness of breath with or without exercise

  • Angina that is becoming more severe or more frequent

  • A recent heart attack

  • To evaluate a stent or heart bypass surgery

  • To identify heart rhythm changes that may occur during exercise

  • To further test for a heart valve problem

  • Having a strong family history of heart disease

​

If you are still wondering why you were referred to us for an exercise stress test, we encourage you to reach out to your doctor and ask for clarification.

bottom of page