Originator: Anne Drewnicki/Sharon NashDate: April 2012

Version: 2Date for Review: April 2015

DGOH Ref No: DGOH/PIL/00432

Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT)Cardiac Physiology DepartmentPatient Information Leaflet

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Contact numbers

If you have any questions or are unsure about any of theinformation provided in this booklet, please contact a member ofthe Cardiac Physiology Department on the number listed below:

Russells Hall HospitalCardiac Physiology DepartmentTel: 01384 456111 ext 3582.

If you have any questions or are unsure about any of theinformation provided in this booklet, please contact a member ofthe Cardiac Physiology Department on the number listed below:

Russells Hall HospitalCardiac Physiology DepartmentTel: 01384 456111 ext 3582.

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What is an Exercise Test?

Sometimes called a stress test, this investigation provides yourdoctor with information about how your heart copes during physicalactivity and well you recover from exercise.

What does the test show?

Changes in your blood pressure or heart's electrical pattern (ECG)monitored during the exercise provide your doctor with importantinformation about the health of your heart. Exercise is done using atreadmill or a cycle ergometer.

What is a treadmill?

An electronically controlled moving belt which you walk on in aprecise and careful manner. Work effort is raised by increasing theincline and/or the speed in small steps.

What is a cycle ergometer?

A fixed seat with foot peddles. Some look like a standard cyclewhile others look more like a couch with peddles. Workload isincreased by applying a braking system to the wheel as youpeddle. Whichever is used you will be coached in its use and havea chance to practice before the test.

Further Information

If you have any questions or are unsure about any of theinformation provided in this booklet, please contact a member ofthe Cardiac Physiology Department on the number listed below:

Russells Hall HospitalCardiac Physiology DepartmentTel: 01384 456111 ext 3582

What should I wear?

Attend wearing comfortable, loose-fitting clothes and flat heeledfirmly fitting shoes. Ladies - slacks are more practical than a skirt.You may wear sportswear if you prefer but please do not buysportswear especially for the test, it is not necessary.

Should I eat before the exercise test?

Have a light meal 1 to 2 hours before the test. If you have diabetescontact us if the appointment is at a difficult time and we willrearrange your test to suit.

Take any medications you are currently prescribed as usual on theday of the test unless we have requested otherwise. Please bringyour medicines or a list from your pharmacist when you attend.

Test Preparation

Your height and weight will be measured. This is needed to assess the levels of work achieved during the test.

You will be taken to a curtained area and asked to remove allclothes above the waist. This is necessary so that the physiologistcan apply the electrodes to record your ECG correctly. The stickypads used for this are larger and more adhesive than for astandard ECG to ensure they do not slip during the test.

The Physiologist will need to lightly abrade the skin or sometimesshave off a little chest hair to make a good contact.

A module carried on a belt around your waist is used to link therecording machine to leads which If you prefer a female or malemember of staff or a chaperone for these procedures, please feelfree to ask.

How long does the test take?

Exercise duration depends on the protocol requested by yourdoctor and your physical capabilities. Overall the whole procedure,which includes a short rest period after exercise, should take abouthalf an hour.

Is the test safe?

Yes. The doctor requesting the test will only refer you if they thinkthe test is suitable for you. Workloads start at very low levels and,because you are monitored throughout, the test can be stoppedimmediately if you become distressed or the recordings areunfavorable.

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