A Treadmill Test (TMT), also known as a Cardiac Stress Test or Treadmill Stress Test, is a simple and widely used method to check how well your heart works during exercise or physical stress.
Since heart problems often appear only when the heart is working harder, this test helps detect issues that may not be visible in a resting ECG.
● You walk (and later jog) on a treadmill while your heart rate, blood pressure, and
ECG are continuously monitored.
● The treadmill speed and incline increase gradually to make the heart work harder.
● Doctors assess how your heart responds to this controlled physical activity.
A TMT test helps in:
● Detecting blockages in coronary arteries (coronary artery disease)
● Identifying exercise-induced arrhythmias (irregular heartbeats)
● Evaluating chest pain, shortness of breath, or unexplained fatigue
● Checking the effectiveness of cardiac treatments or angioplasty
● Assessing exercise tolerance and fitness before starting a cardiac rehab or workout
program
Your doctor may recommend a TMT if you:
● Have chest pain or discomfort on exertion
● Experience palpitations, dizziness, or breathlessness during activity
● Have risk factors for heart disease (high BP, diabetes, cholesterol, smoking,
obesity, family history)
● Need to evaluate recovery after a heart attack or stent placement
● Require clearance before vigorous exercise or surgery
● Non-invasive and safe when supervised
● Helps detect hidden heart disease
● Guides treatment decisions in coronary artery disease
● Provides valuable information on exercise capacity and heart health
✨ A Treadmill Stress Test (TMT) is often the next step after a basic ECG, especially if you
have symptoms during activity or risk factors for heart disease.
