TMT (Strees Test)

The TMT Test (also called the treadmill test) measures the heart's reaction to excessive stress conditions in a medical setting. In this test, you'll be asked to exercise - typically on a treadmill - while hooked up to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This will allow your doctor to monitor your heart rate. Let's understand this test in more detail and analyse its effectiveness.  

What Is the TMT Test for the heart?

TMT or the Treadmill Test is an electrocardiogram (ECG) test taken while walking on a treadmill. It monitors the heart rhythms. It can also be performed while you are cycling a stationary bike. TMT test for heart involves monitoring heartbeat, breaths per minute, and blood pressure. TMT is also known as the stress test. Usually, doctors recommend TMT to people who have symptoms of angina (a chest pain that occurs due to obstruction of blood flow to the heart), people with a history of heart attack, and those who have been through bypass surgery.  

 

Why is the TMT Test done?

TMT determines the performance of the heart in strenuous situations. The primary purpose of doing a TMT is to diagnose any cardiovascular disease. The following are the reasons why the TMT test is done:

• Diagnose heart arrhythmia:- Since TMT helps monitor ECG, it helps diagnose if you have a heart arrhythmia or irregular heartbeat.
• Confirm coronary artery disease:- The TMT result helps determine the percentage of heart blockage and diagnose coronary heart disease.
• Ensure the heart is healthy before a major surgery:- TMT result also confirms if it is safe to perform a heart surgery like bypass or any other major surgery.

TMT Test for heart Process

For the TMT, the medical professional will first ask you to remove your regular clothes and wear a gown, and electrodes will be attached to your chest. Then, you will be asked to walk on the treadmill. The pace of the treadmill will increase slowly and gradually. Your heartbeat, breathing rate, and blood pressure will be monitored while you walk on the treadmill. As soon as the doctor gets the desired result, you can get down from the treadmill. People are usually kept under observation for some time after TMT to ensure that heartbeat and blood pressure come back to normal.