TMT (TreadMill or Cardiac Stress Test)

The TMT Test (also called the treadmill test) measures the heart’s reaction to excessive stress conditions in a medical setting.

In this test, you’ll be asked to exercise – typically on a treadmill – while hooked up to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This will allow your doctor to monitor your heart rate.

TMT or the Treadmill Test is an electrocardiogram (ECG) test taken while walking on a treadmill. It monitors the heart rhythms. It can also be performed while you are cycling a stationary bike. TMT test for the heart involves monitoring heartbeat, breaths per minute, and blood pressure. TMT is also known as the stress test.

Usually, doctors recommend TMT to people who have symptoms of angina (a chest pain that occurs due to obstruction of blood flow to the heart), people with a history of heart attack, and those who have been through bypass surgery.

Why is the TMT Test done?

TMT determines the performance of the heart in strenuous situations. The primary purpose of doing a TMT is to diagnose any cardiovascular disease. The following are the reasons why the TMT test is done:

Diagnose heart arrhythmia:- Since TMT helps monitor ECG, it helps diagnose if you have a heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
Confirm coronary artery disease:- The TMT result helps determine the percentage of heart blockage and diagnose coronary heart disease.
Ensure the heart is healthy before a major surgery:- TMT result also confirms if it is safe to perform a heart surgery like a bypass or any other major surgery.

Preparing For A Treadmill Test

If you are taking medicines for blood pressure or diabetes, your doctor will advise you as to whether you should take these on the day of the test.
The treadmill test is best done on an empty stomach. This is because exercise can sometimes make you nauseous, especially if you have had some food a short while ago.
Men will need to shave their chest till their naval. Women should wear comfortable clothing – if possible trousers and a T-shirt. Bring some comfortable shoes with you.