About Treadmill Test (TMT / Stress Test)
A Treadmill Test (TMT), also called an exercise stress test, records your ECG, heart rate and blood pressure while you walk on a treadmill at increasing speed and slope. Some heart problems are only visible when the heart works harder.
TMT helps evaluate chest pain, screen for coronary artery disease and assess exercise capacity after a heart attack or before starting an exercise programme.
Also known as: Exercise stress test, TMT test, cardiac stress test
Who is it recommended for?
Your doctor may recommend this if you have:
- Chest pain on exertion
- Screening in people with risk factors such as diabetes, smoking or family history
- Assessment after angioplasty or a heart attack
- Evaluating exercise-related palpitations
How is it done at AKG Hospital?
- Preparation ECG electrodes are applied and resting ECG and BP are recorded.
- Exercise You walk on the treadmill as speed and incline increase every few minutes.
- Monitoring Doctors watch ECG, BP and symptoms continuously; the test stops if you develop symptoms.
- Recovery phase Monitoring continues for several minutes after stopping.
How to prepare
- Light meal 2–3 hours before the test
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes
- Ask your doctor whether to stop medicines such as beta-blockers
- Avoid smoking and caffeine on the day of the test
Recovery & aftercare
You can resume normal activities after the test unless the doctor advises otherwise.
Benefits
- Non-invasive screening for coronary artery disease
- Measures exercise capacity
- Helps decide the need for angiography
Risks & when to seek help
The test is performed under medical supervision. Rarely, chest pain, rhythm disturbances or a fall in BP may occur, and the team is trained to manage these immediately.
Frequently asked questions
Who should not do a TMT?
People with recent heart attack, severe aortic stenosis, unstable angina or inability to walk may not be suitable. The doctor will decide.
What if I cannot walk on the treadmill?
Your cardiologist may recommend other tests instead.
This page gives general information to help you understand Treadmill Test (TMT / Stress Test). It does not replace a consultation — your doctor will advise what is right for you.
