Exercise Electrocardiogram or ETT (Exercise Treadmill Test)

Purpose of Test: The ETT is used to evaluate the adequacy of blood supply to the heart during exercise. It is especially helpful in patients without known heart disease who are having chest pain. It is also helpful to assess the extent of limitation of blood supply to the heart in people with known coronary artery disease. The test is also used to quantify effort capacity, evaluate the effect of medications on symptoms and effort tolerance, evaluate the heart rate and blood pressure responses to exercise before surgical procedures and before entry into programs of cardiac rehabilitation, and to assess general health and prognosis.

Location: Starr Pavillon, 520 East 70th Street, Room K-425, New York, NY 10021
(Between York Ave & East River. After entering the building, the Starr elevator bank is located to your left. Take the elevator to the 4th Floor. Make a right after you get off the elevator and follow the signs to K-425)

Arrival Time: Plan to arrive 20 minutes prior to appointment time

To reschedule: (212) 746-4670

Duration of Test: 1 hour

Preparation for Test:

1. Please arrive 20 minutes before the test.
2. Please do not use any body cream or body lotion.
3. DO NOT eat or drink 3 hours prior to test. Required medication may be taking with a sip of water only
4. DO NOT drink alcohol 12 hours prior to test
5. Refrain from smoking for at least 4 hours prior to test
6. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers (or rubber soled shoes) for walking on a treadmill

What should I expect during the test?

1. The heart is gently and progressively stressed by slowly increasing the speed and the grade of an exercise treadmill.
2. You will walk throughout the test; slowly on level at the beginning, but faster and progressively uphill as the test continues.
3. There is no running or jogging involved.
4. The test is continued until symptoms limit further exercise or adequate diagnostic information is obtained, but never beyond your willingness to continue.
5. There is careful monitoring of heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms before, during and after exercise.