How to prepare for the test

On the day of your test, be sure to:
 

• Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes appropriate for exercise

• Shave off any chest hair before your appointment

• Continue to take any prescribed medications unless you are told not to by your physician

• Avoid smoking or exposure to carbon monoxide (a colorless, odorless gas produced by burning gas, wood, charcoal, propane or other fuel)

• Don’t eat a large meal at least three hours before the test

• Don’t drink alcohol for at least four hours prior to the test

 
Your appointment may be rescheduled if you haven’t prepared according to these criteria.
 
Call us ahead of time if you:

• Have an inability to follow instructions*

• Have had a heart attack (myocardial infarction) in the last two days

• Have uncontrolled chest pain (angina)

• Have other known acute or chronic heart conditions, such as severe aortic stenosis aneurysm

• Have uncontrolled hypertension (greater than 200 mm Hg/110 mm Hg at rest)

• Have had a recent stroke or transient ischemic attack

• Have had acute pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis

• Have a physical disability that prevents safe and acceptable testing

• Have an uncorrected medical condition, such as significant anemia, important electrolyte imbalance and hyperthyroidism

 
*If a patient is unable to follow instructions due to a confused state, young age or dementia, then a parent, caregiver or guardian may call on their behalf.