Treadmill Test (TMT): Overview, Purpose & Preparation

A treadmill test, often referred to as an exercise stress test, provides a picture of how effectively the heart of an individual functions during exercise. It can also aid in the diagnosis of certain cardiac conditions.
Here, you can learn why a doctor might advise a treadmill test as well as what to expect and how to prepare for one.

What is a treadmill test (TMT test)?

Treadmill testing, also called exercise stress testing or TMT testing, is a type of cardiac stress test involving electrocardiography, exercise on a treadmill or bicycle, and blood pressure monitoring.

In cases where patients are unable to perform physical exercise, a TMT test can still be performed by using a certain medication that stimulates the heart’s activity, mimicking the changes that occur during exercise.
A TMT test is performed to measure how effectively your heart responds when it is under stress.

During the TMT test, you will be required to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle while connected to an electrocardiogram device. This will enable your healthcare provider to monitor your:

• Breathing
• Blood pressure
• Heart rate
• How exercise impacts fatigue levels
• Electrocardiography readings
• Heartbeats and heart rhythm

Why should you do a TMT test?

An exercise stress test is typically performed to help your doctor in determining whether your heart is receiving proper blood flow and adequate oxygen during times when it requires it most, for instance when you exercise.

TMT stress testing could aid a doctor diagnose a variety of cardiac disorders. These include:

• Coronary artery disease
• Heart failure
• Heart valve problems
• Angina
• Cardiomyopathy
• Arrhythmia

A TMT test may be recommended by a doctor if a person exhibits one or more signs of a cardiac condition, including:

• Breathing difficulties
• Pain in the chest
• Dizziness
• A rapid or irregular heartbeat

A TMT test may also be recommended by a medical professional if a person:

• is scheduled for cardiac surgery.
• is considering starting an intensive exercise program.
• is having heart treatment.

Who should not get a TMT test?

The test is not suitable for individuals who have cardiac disorders that make the test unsafe to be performed on them. These disorders include:

• Heart attack (recent)
• Myocarditis, endocarditis, or pericarditis (inflammation of the heart muscle)
• Aortic dissection
• Severe aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aortic valve)
• Abnormal rhythm of the heart (uncontrolled)

How to prepare for the treadmill test (TMT)?

Your doctor can advise you regarding the preparation for your treadmill stress test.
Your doctor will conduct a physical examination and inquire about your entire medical history before you have your test. Inform your healthcare provider about any symptoms you are experiencing, particularly any pain in the chest or breathing difficulties at this point.

Before a stress test:

• You may be instructed not to consume any food or beverages for a certain time.
• You may need to refrain from caffeine for about 24 hours before the test.
• You must not smoke or consume tobacco products for a certain time.
• Some medications may interfere with stress testing. Ask your doctor if you can take your medications before the test.
• If you suffer from breathing issues or asthma, carry your inhaler with you. Inform your doctor that you have been using an inhaler for your breathing condition.
• Wear comfortable footwear and clothing as you need to exercise.
• Stay calm.  It is normal to be worried about having your heart tested, but this can have an impact on your findings.

How is a TMT test performed?

Below is a step-by-step breakdown of everything that happens during a treadmill stress test:

• A technician will record your vital signs, which include your blood pressure and resting heart rate, before beginning the exercise.
• They will then attach some electrodes to your chest to record some readings to monitor your heart. The electrodes measure the rhythm of your heart. Wires link these electrodes to a monitor, which displays or prints the results of your tests. This portion of the exam is known as an electrocardiogram, or ECG.
• Next, you will be asked to start walking slowly on the treadmill. As the test progresses, the exercise levels become increasingly difficult. You can keep your balance by using the treadmill’s handrail; however, be careful; holding on too firmly may affect the outcome of the test.
• You will be instructed to continue the exercise until your heart hits a target level, but you may need to halt the exercise sooner if you have any of the following symptoms:
  • Pain in the chest ranges from moderate to severe
  • Shortness of breath is severe
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue
  • Blood pressure that is unusually low or high

An irregular heartbeat

• In case you are unable to exercise, medicine will be given to you by inserting an intravenous line. The medication will cause the heart to work harder for about ten to twenty minutes while an electrocardiogram captures the electrical activity of your heart. For any type of stress test, medicine may be used in place of exercise.
• Towards the end of the procedure, the individual may be asked to breathe into the mouthpiece to measure the amount of air they exhale.
• The treadmill will come to a halt, and you will be asked to lie down while the doctor measures your blood pressure as well as other vitals.
• A stress test normally takes roughly an hour to complete, including preparation time and the actual test time. The exercise lasts for around 15 minutes.

What to expect following a TMT test?

Following exercise, you may be instructed to stand still for some seconds before lying down. As your respiration and heart rate recover from the exercise, your doctor watches for any concerns.
Unless your healthcare provider instructs you otherwise, you may resume your normal activities after the exam.

What can the results of the TMT test indicate?

The following are possible outcomes of the TMT test:

• A normal flow of blood during physical activity and rest, revealing the healthy heart
• A normal flow of blood while resting versus not during exercise, suggesting a possible arterial blockage
• A low flow of blood during exercise and rest, indicating coronary artery disease

What are the possible risks of a TMT stress test?

The TMT test is generally safe; however, in rare circumstances, it may have undesirable effects. These might involve having a heart attack or having irregular heart rhythms that persist even after the exam.

According to statistical data, this occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 occurrences. As a result, unless a person fits specific requirements, doctors do not prescribe this test.

An individual should not do a TMT test in case they:

• Have certain cardiac or heart issues
• Is unable to exercise because of medical issues such as arthritis
• Have gone through a recent heart attack or stroke

Takeaway

A TMT test may indicate how effectively the heart is functioning and help with the diagnosis of various cardiac disorders.

It can also indicate the level of strain the heart of an individual can endure. This can be useful while planning for cardiac surgery or an intense exercise regimen.

Typically, the test consists of walking on a machine called a treadmill or stationary bicycle as a doctor monitors cardiac activity. People having trouble walking, on the other hand, may require certain medicines that give a similar result to exercising.

A stress test can provide insight into an individual’s heart health and help guide recommendations for exercise and other types of therapy and treatment plans.