In this Article

• What is an exercise stress test?
• Why do I need an exercise stress test?
• What types of stress tests are there?
• How should I prepare for the exercise stress test?
• What if I have diabetes?
• What should I wear the day of the exercise stress test?
• What happens during the exercise stress test?
• Exercise Stress Test Index

How Should I Prepare for the Exercise Stress Test?

• Do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test.
• Do not drink or eat foods containing caffeine for 12 hours before the test. Caffeine will interfere with the results of your test.
• Do not take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your doctor tells you otherwise, or if the medication is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test: Isosorbide dinitrate (for example, Isordil, Sorbitrate); Isosorbide mononitrate (for example, Ismo, Indur, Monoket); Nitroglycerin (for example, Deponit, Nitrostat, Nitropatches). Your doctor may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your doctor. Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your doctor.
• If you use an inhaler for your breathing, please bring it to the test.

What If I have Diabetes?

• If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, ask your doctor what amount of your medication you should take the day of the test. Often, you will take only half of your usual morning dose and eat a light meal 4 hours before the test.
• If you take pills to control your blood sugar, do not take your medication until after the test is complete.
• Do not take your diabetes medication and skip a meal before the test.
• If you own a glucose monitor, bring it with you to check your blood sugar levels before and after your exercise stress test. If you think that your blood sugar is low, tell the lab personnel immediately.
• Plan to eat and take your blood sugar medication following your stress test.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• Coronary Artery Bypass Graft - Read about heart bypass surgery (coronary artery bypass graft surgery, CABG) including how coronary artery disease is diagnosed, treated, recovery time, risks and complications, and the long term results after CABG.
• Congestive Heart Failure - Read about congestive heart failure symptoms like fatigue, abdomen, leg and ankle swelling, shortness of breath, sleeplessness, increased urination, nausea, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite.
• Echocardiogram - Information on Echocardiogram including why you would need one, the types of echocardiograms, how to prepare and what to expect.

Read more Exercise Stress Test related articles »

Latest Medical News

• Too Much Radiation From Medical Imaging?
• Depression, Anxiety Bad for the Heart
• Patients Not Always Told of Lab Results
• Heart Association Warns of Surgery Risks in Obese