Exercise Tolerance Testing

A cardiologist may suggest an Exercise Tolerance Test if you experience symptoms that could indicate a heart problem, especially during exercise or physical exertion. Common reasons for recommending ETT include:

• Unexplained chest pain (angina).
• Shortness of breath during activity.
• Irregular heartbeats or palpitations.
• Dizziness or fainting spells, especially during exercise.
• Known heart disease to evaluate its progression or monitor treatment effectiveness.

It is also recommended for individuals with risk factors such as high cholesterol, high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease.

The ETT is a simple, non-invasive procedure that usually takes about 30 to 45 minutes. Here’s what to expect during the test:

1. Preparation:

   • Before the test, electrodes will be attached to your chest to record the heart’s electrical activity through an ECG. A blood pressure cuff will also be placed on your arm.
   • You’ll begin by walking slowly on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at a low intensity.

2. Increasing Intensity:

   • As the test progresses, the treadmill speed and incline (or bike resistance) will gradually increase to make you work harder.
   • The goal is to push your heart to a level of stress that mimics how it would perform during vigorous physical activity.

3. Monitoring:

   • Throughout the test, your heart rate, ECG readings, and blood pressure will be closely monitored.
   • If any concerning symptoms arise, such as chest pain, dizziness, or extreme shortness of breath, the test will be stopped immediately.

4. Post-Test Cool Down:

   • After you finish exercising, you’ll be asked to rest for a few minutes while the medical team continues to monitor your heart function until it returns to normal.

Recognizing the symptoms of cardiac arrest can save lives. Signs may include:

• Sudden collapse or loss of consciousness.
• Absence of a pulse or weak pulse.
• No breathing or gasping breaths.

If you suspect someone is experiencing cardiac arrest, time is of the essence. Immediate CPR and use of an AED while waiting for emergency services can dramatically improve survival rates. Consultant Cardiologists will continue these life-saving measures upon the patient’s arrival at the hospital, ensuring the best possible outcome

ETT is primarily used to identify potential problems with the heart’s ability to handle physical stress. Some key conditions that ETT can help diagnose or assess include:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): ETT can detect signs of reduced blood flow to the heart caused by blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries.

• Exercise-Induced Arrhythmias: It helps identify irregular heart rhythms that occur only during physical exertion.

• Heart Function After a Heart Attack: ETT is useful in assessing how well your heart is recovering after a heart attack or cardiac event.

• Evaluation for Heart Treatments: The test helps determine the effectiveness of medications or interventions like angioplasty or bypass surgery.

1. Early Detection of Heart Problems: By replicating the conditions under which heart symptoms may arise, ETT helps catch heart problems early, especially those not evident at rest.

2. Assessing Heart Strength: ETT shows how well the heart responds to the demands of exercise, which can guide treatment plans for conditions like coronary artery disease and heart failure.

3. Monitoring Recovery and Progress: For individuals who have undergone heart surgery or treatment for a heart condition, ETT helps monitor recovery and ensure the treatment is working effectively.

4. Safe Exercise Guidance: ETT helps determine a safe level of exercise for individuals with heart conditions, offering personalized exercise recommendations.