What is the TMT Test?
The Treadmill Stress Test (TMT) is a diagnostic procedure that assesses how the heart functions during periods of physical stress. During this examination, the patient walks on a treadmill at a predetermined speed, while the heart’s electrical activity is continuously monitored. To induce stress, the treadmill’s speed and incline are gradually increased over the test’s duration.
The TMT process closely resembles an Electrocardiogram (ECG) checkup. The patient is required to be bare-chested, and adhesive electrodes are affixed to the chest. Once the electrodes are securely in place, a technician supervises the test, regulating both the treadmill’s speed and incline.
Before commencing the test, various baseline measurements are recorded, including the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, and an initial ECG report. Patients are advised to promptly notify the technician if they experience any discomfort during the test, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or unusual fatigue. In such cases, the test is immediately terminated for safety reasons.
Following the completion of the test, the patient is instructed to recline, and further readings, such as blood pressure, ECG, and heart rate, are continuously monitored and recorded for a period of 3-5 minutes.