Important Information Regarding Practice Updates
Access Cardiology
Access DrsAccess Vascular
Contact UsBook Online

Stress ECG

What is an Stress ECG?

An Exercise ECG Stress Test measures how well your heart and blood vessels respond to physical activity. The test involves walking on a treadmill while the speed and incline increase every three minutes.

Request an Appointment

Who Is This Test For?

Your doctor may refer you for an Exercise ECG Stress Test to assess how your heart performs under exertion.

Common reasons for referral include:

Chest pain or discomfort

Shortness of breath with activity

Assessment of exercise tolerance

Investigation of possible coronary artery disease

Monitoring known heart conditions

What to Expect

Exercise ECG testing is supervised, non-invasive, and performed in a controlled clinical environment.

Before

Please bring a list of your current medications

Do not eat or drink for 3 hours prior to your test

Wear a two-piece outfit and enclosed, comfortable footwear (e.g. walking shoes or joggers)

Do not use body lotion on your chest or wear neck chains

During

You will need to undress to the waist, a gown will be provided to wear.

Electrodes will be placed on your chest and connected to ECG leads worn on a belt around your waist

You will be supervised by an experienced doctor and cardiac technician

Your ECG, blood pressure, and pulse will be monitored continuously

The treadmill speed and incline will increase every three minutes

After

You will be monitored for approximately 5 minutes after completing the test

You will then remain seated for a further 10 minutes to ensure full recovery before leaving

Your Stress ECG is reviewed and reported by our specialist cardiologists

If you are not currently under the care of a cardiologist, results are sent to your referring doctor

If further follow-up is required, we will arrange an appointment with one of our cardiologists and guide next steps

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about ECG. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Please wear comfortable clothing and enclosed walking shoes, such as joggers. A two-piece outfit is recommended as you will need to undress to the waist for electrode placement.

Please avoid eating or drinking for 3 hours before your test, unless advised otherwise by your doctor.

Your test will be reviewed and reported by one of our specialist cardiologists. Results are sent to your referring doctor, who will discuss them with you.

In some cases, your cardiologist or referring doctor may recommend additional tests or a consultation depending on your results.

The test is designed to gradually increase in difficulty. If you feel unable to continue, the test can be stopped at any time. Your doctor will still be able to gather useful information from the test.

Locations offering this service

Stress Echocardiogram testing is available at the following locations.

Murdoch – Wexford Medical Centre

Albany – Access Cardiology

Mandurah – Greenfields

Nedlands – Hollywood Consulting centre

Joondalup – Sanori House

Cottesloe – Soleil Health

See all locations

News & Updates