Stress tests are used to diagnose coronary artery disease

An exercise tolerance test or stress test records the heart’s electrical activity (rate and rhythm) during exercise.

Benefits of undergoing a stress test in Plano

By placing the stress of exercise on the heart, the test can bring out abnormalities caused by partial blockages in the coronary arteries—abnormalities that are often completely unapparent at rest.

Your physician will obtain valuable information about the condition of your cardiovascular system from the exercise tolerance test. The stress test is one of several diagnostic tools that are available to help determine the presence of absence of heart disease. The stress EKG also helps your physician determine your level of cardiovascular conditioning and assess the safety of an exercise program for you.

Preparing for your stress test

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. There is a changing room available.
  • Since your blood pressure will be checked periodically during the test, wear a short-sleeved shirt or blouse.
  • Do not wear boots, jumpsuits, overalls or a dress.
  • Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for eight hours before your stress test. 
    (Items with caffeine include sodas, "caffeine-free" sodas, coffee, decaf coffee, tea, decaf tea, chocolate, Excedrin and certain cold or diet pills).
  • Do not eat anything four hours prior to the stress test.
  • Please do not smoke or exercise eight hours before testing.
  • You should continue to take all medications, unless your cardiologist instructs you to do otherwise.

Where to go for your test

Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center
6601 Preston Rd
Plano, Texas 75024
469.800.6300

It is very important that you keep your appointment once it is scheduled.

If you must cancel your appointment, please give the office at least 24 hours notice by calling 469.800.6300.

Our testing schedule requires tight time restrictions, so please notify the office immediately if you will be late for your appointment. We appreciate your complete cooperation.

What will happen during the stress test?

During the stress test, the cardiologist and a technician are present. Electrodes will be placed on the chest the same as for an electrocardiogram (ECG). Your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be recorded at rest, usually while you are lying on your back and again when standing.

You will then be asked to perform a “graded” exercise test on a motor-driven treadmill. The exercise-protocol that you will follow will be determined by the cardiologist supervising your test, but will begin at a relatively easy level and become progressively more difficult with each subsequent stage.

Your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be recorded at frequent intervals during exercise and after exercise. The physicians or technologist may stop the test at any time for medical reasons. You may ask to stop the test at any time because of significant fatigue or discomfort. However, we encourage you to exercise as long as possible so that we may assess your heart under maximum stress.

Stress test results

After a review of the test, your medical history, other imaging modalities and previous tests by a Baylor Scott & White Legacy Heart Center cardiologist in Plano, a report will be sent to the ordering physician. The ordering physician will then review the results and discuss them with you.

What to bring to your stress test

  • Inhalers, if you use them.
  • List of medications and dosages.
  • Insurance card.
  • Referral for the stress test if required by your insurance company.