Preparing for a Stress Test
An exercise stress test is commonly used to see how your heart works during exercise or activity. This test is also called an exercise tolerance test, an exercise electrocardiogram or a treadmill test.
To prepare for a stress test:
- Don't eat or drink anything (other than prescribed drugs) for four hours before the test.
- Wear comfortable clothes and good walking shoes with rubber soles, if possible. You may want to bring a robe, sweater or something to keep you warm after you stop exercising.
- Your doctor may ask you not to take certain drugs, which might affect the results, before the test. Your doctor will decide this and you will be notified.
- For certain types of stress tests, you may be asked not to have foods or drinks that have caffeine in them, such as coffee, tea, sodas, chocolate or some over-the-counter pain relievers.
