TMT (Treadmill Test)

Exercise Stress Test (TMT — Treadmill Test) evaluates the heart's response to progressively increasing physical exertion. The patient walks on a treadmill following the Bruce Protocol, where speed and incline increase every 3 minutes while continuous 12-lead ECG monitoring records the heart's electrical activity. Blood pressure is measured at each stage. The test is primarily used to detect exercise-induced myocardial ischemia (reduced blood supply to the heart during exercise), evaluate chest pain symptoms, assess exercise capacity and functional status, risk stratify patients with known coronary artery disease, evaluate effectiveness of cardiac medications, and clear patients for sports participation or surgery. The test is positive when ECG shows ST-segment changes suggesting ischemia during exercise. A physician supervises the entire test with emergency resuscitation equipment available. Preparation includes wearing comfortable walking shoes and loose clothing, avoiding heavy meals 2 hours before, and bringing a list of current medications. Certain medications (beta-blockers) may need to be adjusted before the test — this will be discussed during scheduling. The test typically takes 30-45 minutes including preparation and recovery.