What is an Exercise Cardiac Stress Test (ECST / EST)?
A monitor with electrodes is attached to the skin on the chest area to record your heart function while you walk in place on a treadmill. Many aspects of your heart function can be checked including heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, ECG (EKG) and how tired you become when exercising.
What is a Nuclear (Thallium) Stress Test (NST)?
NST is similar to a routine exercise stress test but with images. A small amount of radioactive substance called thallium is injected into the bloodstream when patient is at maximum level of exercise to take pictures with a special (gamma) camera of the heart’s muscle cells.
What is a Holter Monitor?
A Holter monitor is a battery-operated portable device that measures and records your heart’s activity (ECG) continuously for 24 to 48 hours or longer depending on the type of monitoring used. The device is the size of a small camera. It has wires with silver dollar-sized electrodes that attach to your skin. The Holter monitor and other devices that record your ECG as you go about your daily activities are called ambulatory electrocardiograms.
Below are instructions on how to properly prepare PRIOR to coming in for your appointment. We look forward to welcoming you for your heart testing!
Testing Instruction forms (PDFs)
Exercise Stress Test Instructions
Nuclear Stress Test Instructions
Nuclear Stress Test Cancellation Policy