Stress Tests
What is a Stress Test?
A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, determines how well the heart handles work. As the body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. It also helps determine the appropriate type and level of exercise appropriate for the patient.
All Of Our Listed Tests Are Open
Cardiac Stress Tests Offered
St. James Hospital performs the following types of Cardiac Stress tests:
- Exercise Stress Echo Test (COVID test required 48-72 hours prior)
- Dobutamine Stress Echo Test
- Non-Imaging Stress Test (COVID test required 48-72 hours prior)
A physician may recommend an exercise stress test to:
- Diagnose coronary artery disease
- Diagnose a possible heart-related cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or lightheadedness
- Determine a safe level of exercise
- Check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease
- Predict risk of dangerous heart-related conditions such as a heart attack
Contact Us
Stress Lab Department
St. James Hospital
7329 Seneca Road N.
Hornell, NY 14843
Phone: (607) 247-2380
If there is no answer please leave a message, the staff checks the answering machine regularly.
Scheduling Department: (607) 247-2218
If possible, please give 24 hours’ notice when canceling or re-scheduling an appointment.
Hours
Tuesday and Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Registration in the main lobby.
During the Test
During this test the patient is hooked up to equipment that monitors the heart and measures the blood pressure, and an IV may be inserted in the arm.
- Test begins by walking slowly in place on a treadmill. Then the speed is increased and the treadmill is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill.
- The test can be stopped at any time, if needed.
- After the test, the heart and blood pressure is checked while seated or lying down.
- If a person is unable to tolerate walking on a treadmill, then a pharmacological (drug- assisted) stress test can be performed.
Throughout the test, the patient’s heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), and general well being are closely monitored. Medical professionals are present during the test to assist if and when needed.
Healthy people who take the test are at very little risk. The risk is comparable to a fast walk or jog up a big hill.
Depending on the results of the exercise stress test, the physician may recommend more tests such as a nuclear stress test or cardiac catheterization.
Test Time
Testing is only done from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. In an emergency, arrangements can be made for other times depending on availability of our physicians.
The test generally takes approximately one hour. The Nuclear test takes at least two hours, so please plan accordingly.
If you are unable to attend your test, please call the scheduling department by 4:00 p.m. the day prior to your test at (607) 247-2380.