Treadmill Testing

Price

£480

Turnaround

24 hours

Appointment

60 minutes

Man wearing medical testing equipment on a treadmill
4.8
4.8/5
4.7
4.7/5
Care Quality Commission
Primary Care & Diagnostics Finalist Award

For symptoms triggered by physical activity

A treadmill test measures the way that your heart responds to exercise, and gives a good general picture of your heart’s health. The test begins with a cardiologist recording your ECG and blood pressure when you are resting.

You will then walk or run on a treadmill for up to 15 minutes, during which activity your ECG and blood pressure will be tested again. Ideally you will move on the treadmill until a target heart rate has been reached, or until your symptoms have been triggered.

Play Video

Exploring The Benefits

Treadmill testing is crucial for several reasons. Firstly, it aids in diagnosing heart conditions by helping identify coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and other cardiac issues that may not be apparent while at rest.

The test is also valuable for evaluating exercise capacity, providing information on your cardiovascular fitness and endurance. It also plays a role in assessing recovery, as it allows us to monitor how quickly your heart rate returns to normal after exercise, which can indicate overall heart health.

Furthermore, the results from treadmill testing can guide treatment plans, enabling us to tailor your treatment or rehabilitation plan to better manage or prevent heart-related conditions.

Understanding Your Results

  • Normal Results: Indicates that your heart is functioning well under stress, and there are no significant abnormalities detected.
  • Abnormal Results: May suggest issues such as coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeats, or other conditions. Further tests or treatments might be recommended based on these findings.
  • Exercise Capacity: Provides insight into your cardiovascular fitness and helps guide recommendations for physical activity and lifestyle changes.
Woman doctor smiling
Serious doctor with arms crossed

Who Should Consider Treadmill Testing?

Treadmill testing is suitable for a wide range of individuals. For patients experiencing unexplained chest pain or discomfort, this test can be particularly beneficial in diagnosing potential heart issues.

Individuals with risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease can use the treadmill test to assess their cardiovascular health. Athletes and active individuals may undergo this test to evaluate how their heart functions under exertion and to ensure it is adapting well to their physical activity levels.

It is also used for people requiring pre-surgery evaluation to assess cardiovascular risk before undergoing major surgery or other medical procedures.

Statistics​

men & one in 14 women die from coronary heart disease
0 in 8
of adults have high blood pressure in UK
0 %
of hypertension is untreated
0 %
people are affected by cardiovascular disease in UK
0 M

Typical Symptoms

Signs of exertion that may call for a treadmill test include:

  • Chest Pain Or Discomfort: Pain or discomfort in the chest that occurs during physical activity or exercise but resolves with rest.
  • Shortness Of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath that occurs with exertion or exercise.
  • Fatigue: Unusual or excessive tiredness during physical activity.
  • Palpitations: Irregular or rapid heartbeats that occur during exercise.
  • Dizziness Or Lightheadedness: Feeling faint or dizzy during physical activity.
  • Unexplained Sweating: Excessive sweating without an apparent cause during physical exertion.
  • Nausea: Feeling nauseous or experiencing gastrointestinal discomfort during or after physical activity.
  • Weakness: Significant weakness or a feeling of being unusually weak during exercise.

How To Book A Private Doctor Appointment?

book online or call us

Use our online booking engine or book your test by giving us a call.

Choose your test type

On the online booking engine select the “appointment type” you need.

meet with our experts

You will be seen by one of our friendly doctors or trained clinicians.

The Procedure

preparing for appointment

Pre-Appointment

Avoid heavy meals 2 – 3 hours before the test. Opt for a light meal or snack if necessary. Drink plenty of water but avoid excessive intake immediately before the test. Inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking. Follow their instructions on whether to take them before the test. Wear comfortable, breathable athletic wear and sturdy, non-slip shoes. Refrain from consuming caffeine or smoking at least 24 hours before the test. Be prepared to discuss your medical history, including any heart conditions, symptoms, or recent illnesses.

during the appointment

Appointment

Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart’s activity. A blood pressure cuff may be used as well. You will walk or run on a treadmill with increasing intensity. The test aims to assess how your heart responds to physical exertion. Inform the technician immediately if you experience any discomfort, pain, dizziness, or shortness of breath. The test typically lasts 10 – 15 minutes, including the warm-up and cool-down periods.

post appointment

Post-Appointment

After the test, you will be monitored for a short period while your heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline levels. Your results will be compiled into a report, which will be sent to your referring physician for interpretation.

Why Choose Walk In Clinic For
Your Private GP?

Incorporated
in 1998

Experienced doctors & a professional team

Registration
not needed

Up-to-date with the latest treatments & testing

Strictly
confidential

Experienced doctors & a professional team

Affordable private
health care

Transparent fee structure with no hidden charges

other services

Book Your GP Appointment Today

Fast, affordable, high-quality GP and medical testing services with same-day appointments.

Specialist Medical Team

We work with experienced consultants & healthcare professionals who have received positive feedback from our patients, and with whom we have established long-term relationships.

Our Clinics

fAQ

Is there anything I should do to prepare for treadmill testing?
It is best to eat no later than 2 hours before your test, so as not to arrive with a full stomach. You also need to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes for 3 hours prior.
Do I have to exercise during this test?
Yes, although you will be able to stop at any point if you feel unwell. You will walk or run on the treadmill until you experience symptoms, or until your target heart rate has been reached.
Is this testing painful or invasive?
No, the results of this test are measured with electrodes that are stuck to your chest and arms, and a blood pressure cuff. These are non-invasive and painless.

Listen To The Podcast

Latest Episode

Tune in to our podcast to explore the world of healthcare and learn from distinguished special guests. We cover everything from preventative measures to cutting-edge treatments so that you can stay informed and up-to-date on health-related things.

related news

join our newsletter

Subscribe for latest updates & news