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Tread Mill Test Centers in Dhakuria

TMT - Tread Mill Test

Tread Mill Test Centers in Dhakuria

The Treadmill Test (TMT) is also known as an Exercise Stress Test or a Cardiac Stress Test. It represents how your heart functions during physical activity. This test can assess irregularities in blood flow within your heart since activity causes your heart to pump harder and quicker. The TMT is based on a fundamental principle: determining your heart's ability to handle stress induced by exercise in a controlled setting. Examples of exercise stress testing include walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike while monitoring your heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate.

FAQ's

The TMT test helps diagnose how well your heart can handle the workload. You might be suggested a TMT test if the doctor is planning a treatment plan for your heart disorder or if you are undergoing heart treatment, surgery, or starting a heavy workout or exercise routine. The TMT test is used in diagnosing:

  • Heart health
  • Congenital or genetic heart disease
  • Cardiac arrhythmia (disruption in the coordination of electrical impulses)
  • Damage to coronary arteries

People should go for a Treadmill Test if they have:

  • Symptoms of angina (chest pain)
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fast heartbeat
  • History of a heart attack
  • Undergone Angioplasty or Bypass Surgery
  • Professionals like pilots, swimmers, and athletes are also required to take TMT.

Before taking the TMT Test, our doctor will perform a physical check-up and take your medical history. 

  • You need to tell your doctor if you have diabetes. Your blood sugar levels will also be examined. The doctor may advise you to skip eating or drinking caffeinated drinks for three hours before the test. 
  • You also need to avoid smoking prior to the test.
  • Try wearing comfortable clothes and shoes on the day of the test. It is preferable to wear breezy, light clothing.

During a Treadmill Test, you can expect the following steps:

  • Your vital signs, such as heart rate at rest and blood pressure, will be checked.
  • Small adhesive discs called electrodes will be placed on your arms and chest. These electrodes are connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to monitor your heart's electrical activity.
  • You will be instructed to walk on a treadmill or ride a bicycle that is at rest.
  • Gradually, the speed gets fast but remains moderate.
  • The test comes to an end after 10 to 15 minutes, and your target heart rate is calculated. 
  • If you feel uncomfortable or want to stop the test, technicians may stop it early.

The Treadmill Test is considered a safe and affordable screening test for the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (CAD). It is a crucial diagnostic procedure for those who are more susceptible to cardiovascular illnesses.

There are very few risks (approximately 1 per cent) associated with the treadmill test. This test should always be taken in the presence of a doctor and in an environment where all the medical facilities are available.

But there are also certain unusual risks, like:

  • Chest pain
  • Fainting
  • Heart attack
  • Irregular heartbeat

However, there is little likelihood that you will experience these side effects during the test because your doctor will examine you beforehand for issues.

Some medications, medical conditions, fatigue, anxiety, or other factors can influence TMT performance. It is essential to consider these factors and gather comprehensive information about the individual's health and medication history when interpreting test results.

The TMT Test is not advised for people who have:

  • Any heart or cardiovascular conditions, or physical disability disorders
  • Uncontrolled blood pressure.
  • Suffered a heart attack recently.
  • Uncontrolled rhythm disorder of the heart.

A positive TMT result indicates that the patient's echocardiogram (ECG) during the procedure has shown angina-related changes, suggesting inadequate blood supply to the heart and the presence of ischemic heart disease. This signifies that there may be underlying issues with the heart, and further testing or evaluation may be needed to assess cardiac health and function.

A negative TMT indicates that the heart rate increases without any changes in the ECG graph. It means that no heart blockage is present, and you do not have ischemic heart disease. Your heart receives a regular blood supply even during strenuous situations.

After the test is completed, the doctor will assess your signs, heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG until they return to normal. This may take approximately 15 minutes. You can go home once your heart rate has balanced.