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Assessing Heart Function with Treadmill Stress Testing in Williamsport, PA

A treadmill stress test shows how much exercise your heart can handle before showing symptoms of a heart condition.

If you or a loved would like to learn more about taking a treadmill stress test in Williamsport, PA, Find a Provider at UPMC. Download treadmill (regular) stress test paperwork.

Why Treadmill Stress Testing Is Performed

Your doctor may recommend a stress test on a treadmill in order to evaluate symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath, the primary symptoms of coronary artery disease (CAD). If a condition like CAD is present, it means the walls of the arteries are narrowed, or blocked, by a buildup of plaque. A stress test may also be used to monitor your heart after a recent procedure, such as an angioplasty or heart transplant.

Cardiologists often use stress tests to diagnose these conditions:

  • Cardiac arrhythmias: abnormal or irregular heartbeats
  • Cardiomyopathy: disease of the heart muscle
  • Coronary artery disease: a narrowing of the artery walls
  • Heart failure
  • Heart valve disease

What to Expect With Treadmill Stress Testing at UPMC Susquehanna

A treadmill stress test will be performed by a doctor, nurse or technician at a UPMC hospital. The test is painless and usually takes about an hour. During the test, you’ll wear electrodes attached to your chest, arms and legs, along with a blood pressure cuff on your arm.

You’ll walk on a treadmill at various speeds and inclines while your provider measures your heart for symptoms like chest pain or dizziness. You can stop if you feel the exercise is too much.

Results of Treadmill Stress Testing

Once your test results are back, your cardiologist will review them with you. Your results may include one of the following:

  • Normal blood flow and heart function during rest and exercise. This means you may not need any further treatment.
  • Normal blood flow and heart function during rest, but not exercise. This may indicate the presence of CAD or another heart problem.
  • Low blood flow during rest and exercise. This may indicate the presence of CAD or heart attack damage.

UPMC Heart & Vascular Institute performs treadmill stress tests in Williamsport, PA, and the surrounding areas.