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Non Invasive Cardiology

TMT/Stress Test

Making sure your heart is functioning optimally even under stress

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TMT/Stress Test Procedures

Overview

Artemis Cardiac Centre brings together a dedicated team of Heart specialists who hold expertise in the diagnosis, treatment and management of a wide range of heart diseases and disorders using advanced modalities like Treadmill Test or Stress Test. Our team is committed to providing the finest care for you and your loved ones while following a personalized approach based on thorough assessment and evaluation

Our team strictly adheres to personalized treatment plans because we believe that every individual has unique medical requirements. Throughout your journey from treatment to recovery, we ensure your medical needs are being catered to with a robust approach.

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TMT/Stress Test

What is TMT/Stress Test ?

TMT/Stress Test

The Treadmill Test (TMT), or stress test is a diagnostic procedure used to assess the functioning of the heart during physical stress. It is usually carried out to evaluate whether coronary artery disease (CAD) is present and how severe it is. During the TMT test, the patient walks or runs on a treadmill while being closely monitored by healthcare professionals.

The main objective of TMT is to induce controlled stress on the heart by gradually increasing the speed of the treadmill. In this process, if the patient experiences any symptoms such as chest pain, irregular heart rhythms, ECG changes, or shortness of breath, the process is stopped immediately. These signs can indicate potential blockages or insufficient blood flow to the heart.

Why does one need a TMT/Stress Test?

TMT is commonly used as a screening test to assess the presence of coronary artery disease. It can help identify abnormalities in the heart's blood supply and detect any potential blockages. TMT is also used to evaluate exercise tolerance and cardiovascular fitness. It measures the heart's response to physical activity and can help determine an individual's exercise capacity.

Doctors may also recommend a TMT/Stress test to monitor and evaluate heart rhythm abnormalities, such as arrhythmias, during exercise as it helps to point out any abnormal changes in the heart's electrical activity.

Types of TMT/Stress Test

TMT/Stress Test is broadly classified and based on the technique that is used:

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Exercise Stress Test

It is the most basic test in which your heart activity will be monitored while you are walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

It is similar to an exercise stress test, however, in this case, doctors take an echocardiogram for detailed assessment

Nuclear Stress Test

In this case, doctors use a radioactive material for generating detailed imaging scans of the heart

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Symptoms

You may be recommended to go for angioplasty if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms linked to coronary artery disease, which are not responding to medication and lifestyle modifications:

Advantages of TMT/Stress Test

Various Advantages of TMT/Stress Test are:

About TMT/Stress Test Procedure

Preparation

  • Before undergoing a stress test, it's important to consult your doctor. They can advise if any specific preparations are required based on your medical history and current condition
  • Depending on your medications, your doctor may recommend certain adjustments prior to the test. It's important to follow these instructions to ensure accurate results
  • You need to avoid consuming heavy meals or caffeine a few hours before the test. These can elevate your heart rate and interfere with the accuracy of the test
  • Choose loose-fitting and comfortable clothing and wear appropriate athletic shoes for the test. This will facilitate ease of movement during exercise.
  • If your doctor advises fasting, make sure to follow the given instructions. Typically, fasting for a few hours before the test may be necessary for accurate results.
  • Drink plenty of water before the stress test to ensure your body is well-hydrated

What does the Procedure involve?

  • Firstly, the patient's baseline heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are recorded at rest.
  • Then, the patient is asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. The intensity of the exercise progressively increases while continuously monitoring the patient's vitals and ECG.;
  • Throughout the test, the patient's symptoms, such as chest pain or shortness of breath, are carefully observed.
  • The stress test aims to push the patient's heart to its limits to reveal any underlying cardiovascular conditions, especially those that might not appear during resting conditions.
  • The test usually continues until the patient achieves the target heart rate or until they experience symptoms that require termination.
  • Once the exercise portion is complete, the patient is allowed to gradually cool down while their vitals and ECG are monitored. Afterwards, the collected data is analysed by a healthcare professional to identify any abnormalities or potential cardiac issues.

What follows the Procedure?

  • The first thing the doctor will do after the procedure is analyse the collected data, including heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram recordings. This data provides insights into how the body responds to stress and can help identify any abnormalities or areas of concern.
  • Next, the individual's performance during the stress test is analyzed. This involves looking at factors such as exercise capacity, symptoms experienced, and any complications that may have arisen.
  • Once the data and performance analysis are completed, healthcare professionals interpret the results and make recommendations for further evaluation or treatment if necessary. This could involve additional testing, lifestyle changes, or medication adjustments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q -What are the things to be kept in mind before a TMT/Stress test?

Important things that are to be kept in mind while preparing for a TMT/Stress Test include:

  • You will be required to fast for a couple of hours prior to the test. People who are going for a nuclear test might not be able to eat for some time even after that test.
  • You need to avoid taking coffee and other products containing caffeine for at least 24 hours leading up to the test.
  • You need to strictly avoid smoking or using any tobacco product as it can affect the test results.
  • If you are taking any prescription medication, inform your doctor about it as you might be required to avoid taking these on the day of your test.
  • It is important to avoid any kind of stress and relax as stress and anxiety can affect the test results.
  • You should avoid wearing heavy clothes and accessories and rather go for light and comfortable clothes with a sturdy pair of shoes.
Q - Who should not go for a TMT/Stress Test?

TMT/Stress test may not be suitable for everyone. You should not go for it if

  • You have already been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, have undergone treatment for the same, and are responding well to it.
  • If you are not experiencing any symptoms related to coronary artery disease and do not fall in the high-risk group
  • If you follow healthy lifestyle practices whether it comes to your diet or daily activity level, and refrain from practices like smoking

There are also several contradictions that can prevent one from going for a stress test. These include:

  • People with aortic dissection
  • People with inflammatory conditions of the heart muscle, such as pericarditis and endocarditis
  • People who have recently had a heart attack
  • People with severe aortic stenosis
  • People with severe arrhythmia
  • People with persistent angina
Q - What does my TMT/Stress Test result indicate?

If your test result is normal it means that your heart is functioning optimally and pumping enough blood. The results depend on why the test was being done.

  • If the test was done for the evaluation of certain symptoms, normal test results mean that the symptoms that you are experiencing are not due to a heart problem.
  • If you had undergone the test as a part of pre-operative evaluation, positive test results mean that you are clear to go for the surgery.
  • If the test was done for general assessing prognosis, normal test results mean that your treatment is working well for you.

If your test result is abnormal, it points toward the prevalence of heart disease. Based on the results, your doctor will recommend further tests, medication, lifestyle modification and other treatment modalities to manage the problem effectively.

Q - Is TMT/Stress Test safe?

TMT/Stress Test is generally a safe procedure for those who do not present with any contradictions. Just like any other medical procedure there are some risks of complications but these are very rare. During the procedure, an emergency team of doctors and specialists is there to ensure that there is no such problem. If you have been recommended to go for the procedure it is because it is safe for you.

Q - How much time does a TMT/Stress test take?

A TMT/Stress Test takes about an hour to 90 minutes depending on how well its going.

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