TMT

TMT

It is a cardiac stress test, measuring hearts ability to sustain stress given by exercise in controlled environment.

Why to undergo Treadmill Test?

Mainly used to diagnose Coronary artery disease or determine prognosis after Myocardial infarction (heart attack) or coronary revascularization (angioplasty or bypass surgery).

Who should undergo test?

Patients having

  • symptoms suggestive of angina
  • history of heart attack
  • have undergone angioplasty or bypass surgery.

How do they perform Treadmill Test?

After taking history and checking vitals, chest leads are applied and patient is explained that machine will gradually increase speed and slope every three minutes. For better application of electrodes, shaving may be preferable in chest. Test can be immediately stopped if patient feels so or having chest pain, breathlessness or fatigue. Doctor can also order stopping of test upon finding ECG changes. Most adults achieve target heart rate in 9 minutes.

For whom is test contraindicated?

Those having

  • Heart attack in last 48 hours
  • Uncontrolled BP (more than 200/110 mm hg)
  • Unstable angina
  • Uncontrolled rhythm disorder of heart
  • Severe aortic stenosis, pulmonary embolism
  • Acutely ill patient due to any cause
  • Advanced COPD

Which precautions patients should take before undergoing TMT?

  • Skip a meal. Water is allowed
  • Consult a doctor for BP medicines if any. Some of BP medicines need to be stopped before.
  • Avoid caffeine
  • Make sure your diabetes is normal
  • Practise brisk walking few days prior if you are a health check up case
  • If you are taking inhaler for asthma, bring it along with you.

Following are some other risks associated with the TMT test:

  • Collapsing or fainting while walking on a treadmill.
  • Heartbeat remains irregular for a long time after the test.
  • Experiencing chest pain.

PRECAUTIONS

Doctors recommend the following precautions before undergoing TMT:

  • Do not have any meal two hours before TMT. However, it is okay to have water.
  • Start brisk walking a few days before TMT.
  • Avoid tea,coffee or alcoholic beverages before TMT.
  • Asthma patients should take their inhalers before TMT.

This process is almost similar to an ECG checkup. The patent needs to be bare-chest while walking on the treadmill. Using an adhesive, the electrodes are then struck on the patient’s chest. After installing the electrodes, the patient starts walking on the treadmill and the speed and inclination are maintained by the technician who is conducting the test.