Treadmill Test- Price, Purpose, Results & More! [2023]
A treadmill test, also known as an exercise stress test or stress electrocardiogram (ECG), determines how well your heart responds when working in demanding situations. In other words, it is used to evaluate the function of the heart while the patient is physically active. This test is typically used to assess the patient’s risk of developing heart disease, to evaluate symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, or to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for known heart problems.
A person will be asked to exercise on a treadmill during the test. This treadmill is kept attached to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This electrocardiogram allows the expert to monitor the heart rate of a person. The test is usually done in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a healthcare provider. The price range of the TMT test is usually between Rs 1200 to Rs 2880.
Your healthcare provider may recommend the treadmill test if you have any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Chest pain or discomfort
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Palpitations (irregular heartbeats)
- A history of heart disease or risk factors for heart disease
- Symptoms that occur during physical activity and improve with rest
- Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment for known heart problems
Treadmill Test Details in Brief
| Also Known As | Stress test, cardiac diagnostic test, cardiopulmonary exercise test, CPX test, Stress ECG, Exercise stress test |
| Purpose | To evaluate a person’s cardiovascular fitness and assess their risk of heart disease by measuring heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels while they exercise on a treadmill. |
| Preparation | Wear comfortable clothes; Don’t smoke or consume alcohol |
| Fasting | Avoid eating for 3-4 hours before the test |
| Reporting Time | <24 Hrs |
| Cost | Rs 1200 to Rs 2880 |
Price
TMT Test Price usually ranges from Rs 1200 to Rs 2880. The actual price depends on the diagnostic center and the city. Bookmerilab partners with more than 200 diagnostic centers across India. We provide a 10-50% discount on medical diagnostic tests.
Prices at Popular diagnostic centers
The table below lists the prices at some of the popular diagnostic centers.
| Name of Lab | Test Price |
|---|---|
| City X-Ray | Rs 2880 |
| Prognosis Laboratories | Rs 1400 |
| Bharat X-Ray Clinic | Rs 1950 |
| Mahajan Imaging | Rs 2250 |
| Vijaya Diagnostic Centre | Rs 2000 |
| National Imaging | Rs 2400 |
| Aarthi Scans | Rs 1530 |
Cost in different cities
The test cost depends upon the one recommended by your healthcare professional. The cost varies depending on the lab and the city.
| City | Test Price |
|---|---|
| TMT Test Price in Delhi | Rs 700 to Rs 2880 |
| TMT Test Price in Mumbai | Rs 1200 to Rs 2000 |
| TMT Test Price in Bangalore | Rs 1360 to Rs 1575 |
| TMT Test Price in Hyderabad | Rs 700 to Rs 2000 |
| TMT Test Price in Gurgaon | Rs 1360 to Rs 2700 |
| TMT Test Price in Chennai | Rs 1155 to Rs 1530 |
| TMT Test Price in Kolkata | Rs 1425 to Rs 1530 |
Purpose
There are the following conditions for a treadmill test.
- Evaluate symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath
- Monitor the effectiveness of treatment for known heart problems
- Measure the heart’s response to physical activity
- Evaluate the function of the heart and blood vessels during exercise.
- Determine the functioning of the heart in patients with diabetes or other underlying conditions with increased risk of heart diseases.
- Detect various defects in the heart valves or muscles.
- To assess the risk of complications in patients requiring non-cardiac surgery.
- For determining the electric stability of the heart at rest and during exercise.
- It helps determine whether a patient requires invasive testing to confirm a diagnosis or a treatment that might decrease heart attack risk.
Preparation
The following points need to be considered before performing the treadmill test for the heart.
- The patient should not consume a heavy meal before the test
- It is advised to not smoke or drink alcohol before the test.
- The patient should not consume caffeinated drinks, including tea and coffee.
- Some medications might interfere with certain stress tests. Ask the Doctor if it is safe to continue taking all the medicines before the test.
- Tell your doctor and the health care expert that you use an inhaler. If you use an inhaler for asthma, carry it to the test.
- Wear comfortable clothes and quality sports shoes.
Procedure
Here is a step-by-step description of what happens during a stress test using a treadmill:
- The Doctor will attach electrodes (of the ECG machine) to the person’s chest to monitor the heartbeats.
- The patient will stand upright on the treadmill.
- As the treadmill moves, the person will walk slowly. And eventually, the speed of the treadmill will increase.
- The treadmill may be adjusted to an uphill or incline position.
- After the completion of running, the person may breathe into a mouthpiece to measure the air they exhale (breath out).
- The treadmill will stop working, and the person will lie down while the doctor measures their blood pressure.
- The person can exercise for 10 to 15 minutes but can stop at any time if they feel uncomfortable.
Who should have a treadmill test?
The doctor recommends this test if you have the following symptoms:
- Dyspnea: It is shortness of breath.
- Angina: It is also called Angina pectoris. There is chest pain or discomfort due to poor blood flow to the heart.
- Dizziness: The sensation of being weak, unsteady, and sometimes faint. The patient may also feel nausea and agitation(anxiety or nervousness).
Why the treadmill test for the heart?
The treadmill test is really important for patients who have compromised heart health. With the help of the treadmill test, patients, especially elderly people, can easily assess the risk of heart disease.
Who should avoid the Treadmill test?
Not every person shall have a treadmill test for the heart. This test is not for people with the following medical conditions. These types of patients should avoid the Treadmill test.
- Persons with a history of heart attacks: These patients shall strictly avoid the treadmill test. After recovering from a heart attack, the patient shall not do exercise that may be dangerous for the heart.
- Patient with Aortic dissection: This is a serious condition involving a tear occurring in the inner layer of the main artery (aorta).
- Severe aortic stenosis: Narrowing the heart’s aortic valve is a medical condition. The narrowed aortic valve interrupts the normal blood flow.
- Pericarditis, Myocarditis, or Endocarditis: It indicates the muscle inflammation of the heart’s outer, middle, and inner layers.
Result
The result interpretation of the treadmill test is as follows:
| Result | Significance. |
|---|---|
| Normal | No significant coronary artery disease |
| Abnormal | May have significant coronary artery disease (70% or greater blockage). |
Sample Report
Risks
The following risks are linked to the TMT test:
- A person might collapse or faint while jogging on a treadmill.
- The heartbeat may be irregular for a long time after the treadmill test.
- A sensation of mild to severe chest pain.
- Risk of heart attack or stroke in people with advanced heart disease.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
However, these risks are rare and the test is generally considered safe for most people.
Limitations
- Physical Limitations: Treadmill tests may not be suitable for individuals with certain physical limitations such as mobility issues, balance problems, or joint pain.
- Accuracy: The accuracy of the test depends on the quality of the equipment used and the experience of the healthcare professional administering the test. Results can be affected by a variety of factors such as age, fitness level, and medication use.
- Limited Information: Treadmill tests provide information about the cardiovascular system during exercise but may not provide a complete picture of an individual’s overall health. Additional testing may be necessary to fully evaluate a patient’s health status.
- Safety Concerns: Treadmill tests can pose a risk for patients with underlying health conditions, such as heart disease, that may be exacerbated by exercise. Patients should be carefully monitored during the test to ensure their safety.
- Cost: Treadmill tests can be expensive, especially if additional equipment or testing is required.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the treadmill test is a useful diagnostic tool that can provide valuable information about a patient’s heart health. It allows healthcare providers to evaluate the function of the heart during physical activity and determine if there are any abnormalities or issues that need to be addressed.
The test is generally safe, non-invasive, and well-tolerated by most patients. The results of the test can be used to identify potential heart problems and develop an appropriate treatment plan. Overall, the treadmill test is an important test for maintaining heart health and preventing serious cardiovascular issues.
FAQs
A: A treadmill test diagnoses the blockage of the heart. 2d Echo does not diagnose blockage of the heart but checks the pumping and functioning of the heart.
A: Usually no. It can not be performed at home.
A: The patients shall not eat or drink before the test for four hours except for water.
A: A nuclear stress test involves injecting a radioactive or nuclear substance for better results in patients who can not run. The test measures blood flow while at rest and during activity, showing areas with poor blood flow or damage in your heart.
A: The patient will walk on the treadmill at increasing levels of difficulty while the heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are monitored.
A: The test typically takes about 20-30 minutes to complete.
A: The test is generally non-invasive and well-tolerated by most patients, it should not be painful.
A: There is a small risk of complications such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or fainting, but they are rare.
A: The results can be used to assess the patient’s risk of developing heart disease, evaluate symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment for known heart problems.
How To Book a Treadmill Test (TMT)?