What are the precautions for undergoing a treadmill test (TMT)? Cardiology Basics

What are the precautions for undergoing a treadmill test (TMT)? Cardiology Basics Treadmill exercise test is often taken as a fitness test during routine medical check-up. TMT is also done for evaluation of a case of suspected coronary artery disease and as part of post myocardial infarction evaluation. TMT in children is often for the evaluation of arrhythmic disorders. But this is not a test meant for everyone coming for a health check-up. A preliminary assessment of the fitness of an individual to undergo a treadmill test (TMT) is desirable. This will include a short check on whether the person has any medical conditions which could increase the risk of the test. Moreover, it is difficult for persons with physical disabilities to undergo the test. Anyone who has had a recent episode of chest pain, dizziness or breathlessness needs a full evaluation of cardiac status prior to TMT. This might include an echocardiogram to exclude structural heart disease and for assessment of left ventricular function. If there is no such instance and one has a reasonable effort tolerance in the form of ability to climb two flights of stairs at stretch during routine activities, it is reasonable to undergo a treadmill test without a full cardiac evaluation. Older persons seeking to start an exercise program for fitness needs to undergo TMT in the hospital prior to initiation of such programs as some of them may have silent coronary artery disease. Silent ischemia can become manifest in such i...
Source: Cardiophile MD - Category: Cardiology Authors: Tags: General Cardiology Source Type: blogs