Exercise ECG
This is a test in which an ECG is taken while you cycle on an exercise bike. Through the ECG, we gain insight into how your heart responds to exercise.
Preparation
Before the examination, we advise you to eat and drink something, as you are not allowed to participate in the examination sober. Do not drink caffeinated drinks two hours before the examination. If you are taking medication, you can continue to take it.
Put on clothes and shoes that make cycling easy, preferably jogging trousers.
Do not apply any body lotion, ointment or cream to your skin in the morning before the examination, otherwise the electrodes for the ECG will not stick properly.
What do you take with you?
- Comfortable clothes, sports shoes, towel
- Health insurance card
- Medicines (medication passport)
The study
After you are seated on the examination table with your upper body bared, electrodes are placed on your chest. Sometimes chest hair may need to be removed first. The electrodes are connected to an ECG device and record the electrical currents that cause the heart muscle to contract. There is no current on these wires.
First, an ECG at rest is taken.
The cardiologist will ask you some questions and listen to your heart and lungs to assess whether it is safe for you to do a maximal exercise test.
After the cardiologist has examined you, you will start cycling. The cycling is gradually made heavier and heavier. The aim is to maximise your exertion.
Should you experience chest pain during the examination, please report this immediately!
During the exercise, your heart rhythm will be continuously recorded and assessed by the cardiologist. In addition, your blood pressure will be measured regularly.
Duration of the study
30 minutes
Results of the study
After the cardiologist has reviewed the results, she will discuss them with you.
