• To diagnose coronary artery disease
• To diagnose a possible heart-related cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or lightheadedness
• To determine a safe level of exercise
• To check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease
• To predict risk of dangerous heart-related conditions such as a heart attack

Before the test, the patient is connected to equipment which will monitor the heart. The patient then walks slowly on a motorized treadmill. The speed is slowly increased and the treadmill is tilted to produce the effect of going uphill.

Patients are constantly monitored for:

• Heart rate
• Breathing rate
• Blood pressure
• How tired they feel

Patients can stop the test at any time if needed. Medical professionals are present in case something unusual happens during the test.

Depending on the results of the exercise stress test, the physician may recommend more tests, such as a nuclear stress test or cardiac catheterization.

At DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital, several types of stress tests and nuclear cardiology tests are performed:

Exercise Stress Test (GXT): The patient is monitored by EKG and blood pressures are taken before, during and after the test. The test is symptom limited. Average time on the treadmill is six to 12 minutes. The entire test takes 30 minutes.

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram: Before and after the treadmill test, echocardiogram pictures are taken. This compares the wall motion of the heart at rest and when it becomes stressed. Average time on the treadmill is six to 12 minutes. The entire test takes 45 minutes.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram: During the treadmill test, the patient is given the medication Dobutamine intravenously. The medication slowly increases the heart rate and contractility until the desired heart rate is obtained or the patient’s symptoms limit the study. Echocardiograms are taken before, during and after the Dobutamine infusion. The test takes approximately one hour.

Exercise Sestamibi (Stress Cardiolite): Prior to exercise, a Cardiolite injection is given and resting images taken of the cardiac structure. When a predetermined heart rate has been achieved during the stress test, a second injection of Cardiolite is given. After a rest period, a set of images of the heart is taken. The entire test lasts approximately three hours.

Persantine Sestamibi (Persantine Cardiolite): Prior to exercise, a Cardiolite injection is given and resting images taken of the cardiac structure. The patient also receives Persantine intravenously, then a second injection of Cardiolite. After a rest period, a set of images of the heart is taken. The entire test lasts approximately three hours.

Dobutamine Sestamibi (Dobutamine Cardiolite): Prior to exercise, a Cardiolite injection is given and resting images taken of the cardiac structure. During the treadmill test, the patient is given the medication Dobutamine intravenously. The medication will slowly increase the heart rate and contractility until the desired heart rate is obtained or the patient’s symptoms limit the study. A second injection of Cardiolite is administered. Echocardiograms are taken before, during and after the test. The test takes approximately three and a half hours.

Preparing for an Exercise Stress Test

Your cardiologist will determine if you need an exercise stress test. Once you have been provided a referral from your physician, you may call the Cardiology Department at DMC Sinai-Grace and schedule an appointment that fits your schedule. A team member will provide all information necessary to schedule the test, necessary preparations and location. To schedule an exercise stress test, call 313-966-4488.