A treadmill stress test is an EKG taken while you walk on a treadmill that slowly gets faster and steeper. It takes about 30 minutes. It helps your cardiologist see how your heart handles exercise and whether there are signs of reduced blood flow.
It is one of the simplest heart tests, and for many Putnam County patients it is a good first look. Here is what to know.
What it measures
- Your heart rate response as you exercise
- Your blood pressure response
- Changes on your EKG that can show up only under stress
- Any symptoms you feel, like chest discomfort or shortness of breath
Together, these help diagnose ischemic heart disease, which is heart disease caused by reduced blood flow. They also give a picture of your overall fitness.
What happens
First, the team records your baseline heart rate and blood pressure. You get EKG stickers on your chest. Then you start walking. FCCI follows standard exercise protocols that raise the speed and slope step by step until you reach the target heart rate for your age, or until you need to stop.
Tell the team right away if you feel chest pain, dizziness or unusual shortness of breath. After you finish, they keep watching you until your numbers return to baseline.
How to prepare
- Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes
- Follow FCCI's Treadmill Stress Test instruction sheet
- Bring your medicine list
- Ask ahead about any medicines or caffeine to avoid
Most people feel tired afterward, like after a brisk walk, and can go about their day.
When a different test fits better
If you have trouble walking, or your doctor needs pictures of the heart, a nuclear stress test may be a better fit. If your doctor needs to see how your heart pumps or how your valves work, an echocardiogram may be ordered. The point is to pick the test that answers your question, not to do every test.
Local testing
FCCI's Palatka office at 205 Zeagler Drive is one of its nuclear cardiology lab locations. Call 386.325.2836 to ask which stress tests are scheduled in Palatka and which may happen at another FCCI location. The team will help you find the closest option.
Questions to ask at your visit
Ask these before your treadmill test:
- What target heart rate am I aiming for?
- Should I take my usual medicines that morning?
- What happens if I cannot finish?
- Will I need a different test afterward?
- When will we go over the results?
Care close to home in Palatka
Your treadmill test in Palatka is run by a local team. Cecilia Pitts, APRN, has called the Palatka area home most of her life, and Kortney Winkleman, APRN, is a Putnam County native, so you are among neighbors while you walk.
Treadmill tests are scheduled during office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. If you feel chest pain or faintness at home before your test date, do not wait for it; call 911.
Why patients choose FCCI
A 30-minute test should not cost you a whole day. Testing in Palatka means less driving, an easier time getting back for follow-ups, and no need to borrow a ride to Jacksonville.
Treadmill tests are covered by many plans FCCI accepts, including Medicare, Medicaid of Florida, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, United Healthcare and Tricare. The front desk can confirm yours, and a self-pay schedule is available.
Want to know what shoes to wear or whether to skip a medicine? Call 386.325.2836, Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., or request a visit online without including health details.
