Overview
Some heart blockages cause no change at rest but show up when the heart works harder. In a treadmill test (TMT), your ECG and blood pressure are monitored while you walk on a treadmill whose speed and slope increase gradually.
It also tells us your exercise capacity, which helps plan safe activity levels after a heart attack or procedure.
Who may need it
- Chest discomfort or breathlessness when walking or climbing stairs
- Assessing fitness before starting an exercise programme
- Checking the result of treatment after angioplasty
What to expect
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes. Have a light meal two hours before.
- ECG electrodes are placed and you walk on the treadmill while the team watches the monitor continuously.
- The test stops when you reach the target heart rate, feel tired, or if any change is seen. Monitoring continues for a few minutes during rest.
Recovery & aftercare
- Most people feel back to normal within minutes.
- Ask your doctor whether to skip specific medicines (such as beta-blockers) on the test day — do not stop them on your own.
Medically reviewed by Dr. G.V. Senthilnathan, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), DM (Cardiology). This page is general information; your treatment plan will be tailored to your own reports and health.