How Do You Perform a Stress Test

In an exercise stress test, electrodes are taped to your chest to detect your heart’s rhythm. A nurse or technician will watch your heartbeat on a monitor while you exercise. If your doctor orders a nuclear stress test, you’ll also receive a small amount of radioactive material (radiotracer) through an IV.

How fast do you walk during a stress test?

Each pad is attached to a plastic-coated wire that feeds into the ECG system. A cuff on your arms periodically measures your blood pressure. After a baseline recording taken at rest, you begin walking on a treadmill at a slow pace (under 2 mph).

How do you breathe during a stress test?

Before you start exercising, the technician will perform a resting EKG, measure your resting heart rate and take your blood pressure. You will be asked to breathe through a mouthpiece and/or face mask for a few minutes before the test and throughout the test.