Treadmill Stress Testing

For the treadmill test, several electrodes will be placed on your chest, so that your heart rhythm can be watched closely throughout the exercise portion of the test. If you are able to walk on the treadmill, this method is preferred. If you are unable to walk, we will use drugs (either Lexican or Dobutamine) given through an IV. After completing the treadmill or medication stress portion you will be placed on the imaging table for another 15 minute scan. This test will take approximately 60 minutes.

Prep Instructions

• DO NOT EAT 4 HOURS PRIOR to the test. You may have water or juice.
• ABSOLUTELY NO CAFFEINE 12 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST. This includes coffee, tea, soda, decaf drinks and chocolate. You may have some water, milk or juice.
• NO TOBACCO PRODUCTS 8 HOUR PRIOR to the test.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and rubber-soled walking shoes.
• HOLD Beta Blocker (see list below) 24 hours prior to EXERCISE stress testing, unless otherwise instructed by your physician. Bring beta blocker with you to take after testing. Take all other prescribed medications as you normally would.
  • Beta Blockers include (brand/generic):
    • Atenolol/ Tenormin
    • Betapace/ Sotalol
    • Inderal / Propranolol
    • Blocadren/ Timolol
    • Metoprolol/ Lopressor/ Toprol
    • Bystolic/ Nebivolol
    • Corgard/ Nadolol
    • Coreg/Carvedilol
    • Zebeta/ Bisoprolol
    • Trandate/ Labetalol

If you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment please call us at 540-662-0306.