30+ years of exp
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HealthHub – Barsha Heights
30+ years of exp
Your heart health is paramount. At HealthHub Clinics in Dubai, we offer cutting-edge tests to keep your heart in check. One such essential screening is the Treadmill Stress Test, also known as an exercise ECG or exercise stress test. This non-invasive test monitors how well your heart performs under physical stress (by having you walk on a treadmill), helping to detect potential cardiac issues early. Whether you have symptoms or simply want to proactively assess your heart, our cardiology team uses treadmill stress testing to guide your care and keep your heart strong.
Why is the Treadmill Stress Test Done?
The treadmill stress test plays a vital role in cardiovascular diagnosis and prevention. Doctors primarily use it to detect coronary artery disease – blockages in the heart’s arteries that reduce blood flow to the heart muscle. By examining your ECG and symptoms while you exercise, we can see if any part of the heart isn’t getting enough blood (a sign of narrowed arteries). The test can also uncover exercise-induced arrhythmias – irregular heartbeats that only happen during exertion – which might not show up on a resting ECG. Additionally, if you have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath that occur with activity, a stress test helps determine if a heart problem is the cause.
Even without symptoms, this test is useful as a heart screening tool for people with risk factors or a family history of heart disease. It provides a baseline of your cardiovascular fitness and can prompt early intervention if something is abnormal. That’s why doctors often recommend this test for people with exercise-related symptoms or multiple risk factors. It’s also used to monitor some heart patients (to check how treatments are working) and to assess fitness before starting a high-intensity exercise program.
What to Expect During a Treadmill Stress Test
We strive to make the experience as smooth as possible. Here’s how the test works:
- Preparation: We place adhesive electrodes on your chest to connect you to an ECG monitor, and a blood pressure cuff on your arm. We’ll record your heart rhythm and blood pressure at rest before you start.
- Exercise & Monitoring: You then walk on the treadmill, starting at an easy pace. Every few minutes, the treadmill’s speed and incline increase to make your heart work harder. Throughout this exercise, our team continuously monitors your heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure and will ask how you’re feeling. If you feel any chest pain, dizziness, or other discomfort, let us know right away – we can stop the test at any time if needed. Otherwise, the test continues until you reach a target heart rate or we have gathered enough information.
- Recovery: After the treadmill stops, you’ll rest for a few minutes. We continue to monitor your heart as it recovers, checking that your heart rate and blood pressure return toward normal. Once everything looks stable and you’re feeling okay, the test is complete. Our doctor will discuss the preliminary results with you.
The active exercise part usually lasts around 10 minutes, but plan on about 30–45 minutes total for the whole appointment (including preparation and recovery).
Why Choose HealthHub Clinics for Your Stress Test?
- Extensive Experience
- Advanced Facilities
- Affordable premium services
- Trusted Al-Futtaim brand
Is a treadmill stress test safe?
Yes. It’s performed under close medical supervision, and we stop immediately if you feel unwell at any point. The test essentially just involves exercise, and serious complications are very rare.
How do I prepare for the test?
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for exercise. Avoid a heavy meal for 2–3 hours before your appointment (a light snack is fine), and try not to consume caffeine or smoke for a few hours prior. Take your usual medications unless your doctor has advised otherwise. Arrive ready for light exercise – we’ll guide you through the rest.
How long will the appointment take, and when will I know the results?
The treadmill exercise itself is short (around 10 minutes of walking for most people). Including setup and recovery, the entire visit is roughly 30 to 60 minutes. You won’t have to wait long for results – our doctor will review your test data with you right after the test. In most cases, you’ll get immediate feedback on whether the results are normal or if any issues were detected.
What if I’m unable to exercise on a treadmill?
If you cannot physically exercise, we have alternative ways to stress your heart. One common method is a pharmacological stress test, where we give you a medication that makes your heart respond as if you were exercising. Another option is a stress test with imaging – for example, a stress echocardiogram or a nuclear stress test – which shows how well blood is flowing to your heart muscle under stress. These alternatives let us evaluate your heart’s function without you having to run on a treadmill. Our cardiologist will choose the appropriate test for you if the standard exercise test isn’t suitable.