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Tread Mill Test in Delhi

TMT - Tread Mill Test

TMT Test in Delhi

A Treadmill test (TMT) shows how the heart works during physical activity, especially during physical strain or stress. The test involves walking/running on a treadmill or a stationary bike. During such stressful exercises, the heart tends to pump faster, which can help to reveal any problems with the blood flow in the heart. The doctor monitors the heartbeat, breathing and blood pressure during the test. TMT is also known as a stress test or an exercise stress test. The doctor recommends this test if there are symptoms of abnormal heart rhythm or coronary artery disease. 

A TMT helps to:

  • Diagnose the existing heart conditions

  • Decide the course of treatment

  • Determine the results of heart treatment

WHY IT'S DONE

A treadmill test helps to:

  • Diagnose coronary artery disease: Arteries are the blood vessels responsible for transporting blood, oxygen and nutrients to the heart. Coronary artery diseases occur when these blood vessels get damaged or constricted due to the buildup of cholesterol and plaque.

  • Diagnose irregular heart rhythm: Heart rhythm problems or arrhythmias occur due to poor coordination of the heart's electrical signals. It results in the heart beating too fast, irregularly or slowly.

  • Guide heart disorder treatment: Cardiologists get an estimate of the heart health or how well the ongoing treatment is doing. The test helps them decide on the best course of treatment further.

  • Check the heart health before surgery: A TMT helps determine the heart health before conducting heart surgeries.

RISKS

A treadmill test is safe, and there's rarely a complication. The patient may have low blood pressure or abnormal heart rhythms. Both these complications go away as the exercise stops.

PREPARATION

A stress test doesn't require much preparation. The patient needs to keep the following things in mind.

  • Avoid caffeine the day before and on the day of the test.

  • Avoid eating, drinking or smoking for some time before the test. Ask the doctor for advice on the same.

  • Bring your inhaler along if you suffer from breathing problems. Tell your doctor about it well in advance.

  • Ask your doctor if you can take the prescribed medications before the test.

  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

  • Avoid wearing metallic accessories, belts and jewellery.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The patient is required to walk on the treadmill for around 15 minutes during the test. The test usually takes 1 hour to complete, including the preparation time.

If the patient cannot walk on the treadmill, they are administered a drug through IV, replicating the effects of a heavy workout on the heart (Dobutamine Test).

BEFORE THE TEST

Before making the patient walk on the treadmill, the doctor will check their medical history and how intense exercise they can do. 

The doctor will also check your vitals, like blood pressure and pulse and listen to your breathing /assess your lungs and heart before the test.

DURING THE TEST

  • The test involves sticking electrode patches on the chest, legs and arms. 

  • The nurse may shave the body hair to paste the electrodes. These electrode wires connect the sensors to a computer screen, which tracks and records the heart's electrical activity.

  • The nurse also monitors the blood pressure alongside. 

  • The nurse may also check the breathing during exercise by asking the patient to breathe into a tube.

  • The intensity of the exercise increases gradually. The patient starts slowly by walking on the treadmill, and the speed increases by a gradient of 10 per cent. The patient continues till the heart rate has reached an apex as per their age, health and overall condition, already estimated by the doctor. The patient is never made to undergo strain beyond their physical limit. 

  • The doctor stops the test if the patient experiences these signs and symptoms:

    • Shortness of breath

    • Abnormal blood pressure

    • Abnormal heart rhythm

    • Chest pain

    • Fatigue

    • Dizziness

    • Changes in electrocardiogram

The doctor at the best cardiology hospital in Delhi monitors the patient throughout and stops the test if there are any concerns.

AFTER THE TEST

The patient needs to stand still for a few minutes and then can lie down for some time with monitors attached. The patient can leave as the heart rate and breathing return to normal.

The patient can conduct their everyday activities after the negative test result.

RESULTS

The patient can resume daily activities if the treadmill test reflects normal heart function. No further tests are required.

However, if the results are within limits but the symptoms persist, the doctors may ask the patient to get a nuclear stress test.

If the results show some irregularities, the doctor will plan the course of the treatment accordingly. The patient may need to get a few more tests done.

WHY CHOOSE MANIPAL HOSPITALS?

Manipal hospitals are a pioneer in cardiac disease treatment. Our cardiology department is well-equipped with the latest and advanced machines to conduct the tests efficiently. Our cardiologists and surgeons work day and night to ensure the best treatment for every patient. 

Our motto is to offer the most suitable treatment under the guidance and expertise of esteemed doctors and the healthcare team. Book an appointment at the best cardiology hospital near you.

SUMMARY

A treadmill test (TMT) is a cardiac stress test to measure the ability of the heart to sustain stress during cardio exercise in a controlled environment. The patient walks on a treadmill as the difficulty level increases gradually. 

TMT helps in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease and the prognosis and severity of the disease. It also evaluates patients with CHF, Arrhythmias, CHD and detection of labile hypertension.

The test takes around 10-15 minutes, and the preparation time is usually 15 minutes. Before taking the test, the patient should avoid eating for 2 hours. They can have water if they want. 

TMT test in Delhi results come as positive or negative. 

  • A positive test signifies a lack of adequate blood supply to the heart after the exercise. It means that the patient is suffering from ischemic heart disease. 

  • A negative result means sufficient blood supply to the pumping organ, even after moderate to vigorous exercise.

Experience world-class healthcare at Manipal Hospitals. Our expert team of doctors and state-of-the-art facilities ensure personalized and advanced treatments. Take the first step towards wellness. Book an appointment today.

FAQ's

A treadmill test in Delhi helps to determine if there is any risk of heart disease. It guides the doctors to estimate the heart working during stressful conditions.

No. The treadmill or stress test reflects irregular heart rhythm and symptoms of coronary artery diseases, such as blocked blood vessels.

The TMT result is negative when the patient can reach a defined heart rate without any changes in the ECG.

The patient should avoid eating a few hours before the test and avoid caffeine 24 hours before the test.

In the treadmill test, the starting speed is usually 2.7 km per hour. It is increased gradually in a gradient of 10% as the test proceeds.