Private GP appointments AVAILABLE TODAY – click here for further information.
A Cardiac exercise test is used to assess how your heart responds to physical exertion.
A Cardiac exercise test is used to assess how your heart responds to physical exertion.
Exercise testing provides crucial information about heart function under stress, helping detect coronary artery disease and assess cardiovascular fitness. This monitored test safely evaluates your heart's response to increased demand.
A cardiac exercise test is often called an exercise ECG or treadmill test. It assesses how your heart responds to physical activity. During the test, your heart rhythm, blood pressure, and symptoms are continuously monitored while exercise intensity gradually increases. This helps detect reduced blood flow to the heart muscle, abnormal rhythms, or other cardiac problems that may not be apparent at rest.
While you walk on a treadmill or cycle on an exercise bike, the speed and incline gradually increase. Throughout the test, staff monitor your heart rhythm using continuous ECG, measure blood pressure at regular intervals, and watch for symptoms. It continues until you reach your target heart rate, develop symptoms, or show ECG changes suggesting cardiac problems.
Before Your Appointment:
Wear comfortable exercise clothes and suitable shoes. Avoid large meals for 2-3 hours before the test. You can continue taking regular medications unless specifically advised otherwise by your doctor. Take a list of current medications and any previous cardiac test results.
During Your Appointment:
You'll be connected to heart monitors and blood pressure equipment. Next, you’ll start some gentle exercise. The intensity gradually increases every few minutes while medical staff monitor your response. The test typically lasts 15-20 minutes, though preparation and recovery extend the total appointment time.
After Your Appointment:
You'll be monitored during a cool-down period until your heart rate and blood pressure return to baseline. Most people resume normal activities immediately, though you may feel tired after more intensive testing.
Exercise testing is generally very safe when performed under medical supervision. Medical staff closely monitor you throughout, and emergency equipment is available if needed. Complications are rare, happening in fewer than 1 in 10,000 tests. You should inform staff immediately of any chest pain, severe breathlessness, dizziness, or other concerning symptoms during the test.
Most people feel tired but can resume normal activities within a few hours. Drink fluids to stay hydrated and avoid strenuous exercise that day. Results are typically available immediately, with detailed reports following within 24-48 hours. Follow the advice given by clinicians regarding activity levels or follow-up appointments.
The table below has multiple columns and can be scrolled horizontally on smaller screens. When viewing on mobile, this table is best viewed in landscape format.
We're always on hand, so get in touch and we'll get back to you straight away.
Speak to our teamYou can receive this treatment at any one of the locations below.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry. Let us know your preferred appointment type, either virtual or face to face, and we will work to find a time that suits you.
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time, either virtually or in person, with one of our highly qualified consultants. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
Your healthcare journey in 4 easy steps
Get in Touch
Call us on Leeds 0113 2494655 or Sheffield 0114 7005811 or use our online booking form to send your enquiry and we will work to find a time that suits you
We Arrange Your Appointment
If you filled out our online booking form, one of our team will contact you within 2 hours with available appointment options. Once your appointment is booked, you will receive an email confirmation with all the details you need.
Attend Your Appointment
Attend your appointment at your chosen time with highly qualified clinicians. If your appointment requires a written report, this will be prepared and sent to you within 48 hours with the option to upgrade to 24 hours.
Aftercare and Follow-Up
If you need any further tests, treatment or follow-up, we will help arrange these for you. If you require a copy of your report or images, please let us know and we will send these promptly.
You can receive this treatment from one of the consultants listed below.
Explore the various options available for this treatment.
With our self-pay service, there are no waiting lists - consultations are offered within 24 hours, with treatment within a week. All costs, including tests or scans, are quoted upfront with no obligation to proceed. Visit our Prices page for full details.
If using medical insurance, contact your provider to confirm coverage for all treatment stages before your first appointment. You’ll need a referral letter from your GP for a private procedure at The LivingCare Group. Once you have it, either you or your GP can book your first appointment with us.
