Treadmill Stress Test in Singapore: What It Is & What to Expect

What is a treadmill ECG test?

A treadmill electrocardiography (ECG) test, also known as an exercise stress test or an exercise ECG, is a diagnostic procedure used to assess your heart function by checking how well your heart responds to work or physical stress. During the test, you will walk on a treadmill while electrodes are placed around your chest and limbs to measure your heart’s electrical activity, heart rate, and blood pressure. People commonly use this test to identify heart issues and the effects of exercise on their hearts.

How does it work, and what does it detect?

The treadmill ECG test works by gradually increasing the speed and incline of the treadmill, which makes your heart work harder and in turn makes your heart pump harder and faster, measuring exercise stress. As your heart rate rises, your healthcare provider assesses your response to the increased workload by measuring your blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels. The test can reveal issues such as reduced blood supply to the heart muscles (ischaemic heart disease), abnormal heart rhythms, and changes in blood pressure that may not be noticeable when you are at rest. It is a great non-invasive method to diagnose coronary artery disease and assess your overall cardiovascular fitness.

When should you take a treadmill ECG test? 

Your doctor may recommend a treadmill ECG test if you have symptoms such as:

1. Chest pain due to poor blood flow to the heart

2. Irregular heartbeats

3. Shortness of breath

4. Dizziness or fainting spells

5. Heart palpitations

6. High blood pressure

7. Diabetes

8. Have a risk of heart disease

9. Have a family history of heart disease

The test is also used to evaluate your heart’s function and health before surgery, monitor the effectiveness of cardiac treatments, or as part of a routine health screening for those at higher risk of heart attacks.

If you have any concerns relating to your heart functions or worry about the possibility of heart disease, request an appointment with Thomson Medical to discuss with our cardiologists for your next course of action.

Benefits of a treadmill ECG

1. Early detection of hidden heart problems: 

   • The test can uncover issues such as artery blockages, life-threatening heart rhythms and abnormal heart rhythms that only appear during physical activity, allowing for timely intervention.

2. Non-invasive and safe: 

   • It provides valuable information, such as evaluating blood pressure response to exercise without the need for surgery or invasive procedures.

3. Monitors heart treatment progress: 

   • It helps evaluate and track improvements in heart function and fitness, especially for those who currently have heart disease, have had a previous heart attack or are part of a rehabilitation programme.

4. Guides further management of heart issues: 

   • Results can guide treatment of heart disorders, e.g., timing for cardiac surgery such as valve replacement, heart transplantation in patients with heart failure and cardiac bypass surgery in patients with multiple heart artery blockages

Wondering if a treadmill stress test is right for you? Request an appointment with us today and our specialists will assess your symptoms and guide you through the most suitable tests to support your heart health.

How to prepare for a treadmill stress test? 

There are not many things to prepare before the test, however you should remember to:

• Avoid eating a heavy meal and consume a light meal at least 1 hour before your stress test.

• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and running shoes.

• Men with a hairy chest may need to shave small areas of their chest to allow proper electrode placement.

• Avoid caffeine and smoking for at least 24 hours before the test, as these can affect your heart rate.

• Avoid using any lotions during the day of the test, as they will interfere with the electrode-skin contact.

• Check with your doctor about any medications you are taking, especially those that slow your heart rate (beta blockers), as you may need to stop them temporarily.

• If you use an inhaler for asthma or other breathing problems, please bring it along with you and highlight it to your cardiac technician & doctor

• If you feel unwell on the day of the test, you can always reschedule your appointment.

How does the test work?

Before the test begins, a cardiac technician will place 10 small, sticky electrodes on your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity (ECG), and wrap a blood pressure cuff around your arm. Your resting heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will be recorded as a baseline.

During the test:

• You'll walk on a treadmill that gradually increases in speed and incline every 3 minutes.

• Your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will be continuously monitored.

• A technician will check in with you regularly to ask how you’re feeling.

Signs to stop the test:

• You reach your target heart rate, or

• You experience symptoms that require stopping, such as:

  • Chest, jaw, or arm pain

  • Shortness of breath

  • Dizziness

  • Abnormal heart rhythms

  • Unusual blood pressure changes

  • Significant changes in your ECG

Moreover, the test is closely supervised by a cardiac technician, with a doctor on standby for your safety.

What happens after the test?

After the test, you will be monitored for a brief period of cooling down until your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG return to normal. If you feel well and your results are normal, you can usually go home and resume your normal activities. However, if the test shows abnormalities or you experience symptoms, your doctor may recommend further additional tests or treatments, or you may be observed for a longer period.

Where can I get a treadmill stress test in Singapore, and how much does it cost?

Treadmill ECG tests are available at public hospitals, private hospitals, and heart clinics across all of Singapore. Public hospitals typically require a doctor’s referral, often from a polyclinic, and may offer subsidised rates for eligible Singaporeans and PRs. For shorter waiting times, private hospitals and specialised heart centres also offer the test, often without the need for a referral.

To book a treadmill stress test, please consult your doctor for a referral or contact a private cardiac clinic directly. It’s advisable to check the cost in advance and whether the procedure is claimable under MediSave or insurance plans.

The cost of a treadmill stress test in Singapore typically ranges from SGD 150 to SGD 500, depending on the type of facility and whether additional consultations or tests are included.

At Thomson Medical, we provide treadmill stress tests to help assess heart function and detect many heart-related conditions. If you're experiencing any heart-related concerns or have risk factors for cardiovascular disease, request an appointment with Thomson Medical to find out if a treadmill stress test is appropriate for you.

FAQ

Are there any risks associated with the test?

The treadmill ECG test is generally very safe, with a very low risk of complications. Rarely, people may experience chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, dizziness, or falls. Medical staff are present throughout the test to manage any issues promptly.

How long is a stress test on a treadmill?

The exercise portion of the test typically lasts between 6 and 15 minutes, depending on your fitness level and how quickly you reach your target heart rate. The entire appointment may take up to an hour, including preparation and recovery.

How do you know if you passed a stress test?

A “pass” means your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG remain within normal limits during exercise, and you do not develop concerning symptoms. Your doctor will interpret the results and explain what they mean for your heart health.

What is a good treadmill score on a stress test?

A good score indicates that you reached your target heart rate without abnormal ECG changes or symptoms. The specific numbers depend on your age, fitness, and medical history. Your doctor will discuss your results in detail.

At what percentage does a stress test identify a blockage in your arteries?

A treadmill stress test can detect significant blockages in your arteries, typically when a coronary artery is narrowed by 70% or more. However, it may not identify less severe blockages within your arteries or all types of heart disease.

What happens if they find a blockage during a stress test?

If the test suggests a blockage, your doctor may recommend further investigations, such as a coronary angiogram or imaging tests, to confirm the diagnosis and plan treatment.

How fast do you walk during a stress test?

The test starts at a slow pace and gradually increases in speed and incline. The exact speed varies, but it is adjusted to your fitness level and ability.

Do they put a tube down your throat for a stress test?

No, a treadmill stress test does not involve any tubes down your throat. It is a non-invasive test using external electrodes and a blood pressure cuff.

What is normal blood pressure during a stress test?

Blood pressure typically rises during exercise. Your doctor will monitor for abnormal increases or decreases, which could indicate underlying heart problems.

How do I pass a treadmill stress test?

To “pass” the test, aim to walk as long as you can without developing symptoms or abnormal ECG changes. Follow your doctor’s instructions, prepare well, and communicate any discomfort during the test.

The information provided is intended for general guidance only and should not be considered medical advice. For personalised recommendations and tailored advice, please consult a specialist at Thomson Medical. Request an appointment with Thomson Medical today.