Exercise Tolerance Testing: An exercise tolerance test (ETT) is a procedure to determine the cause of your symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and / or palpitations. It is a good indicator of ischaemia (narrowing of the coronary arteries) within the heart.
Leaflet Details
| Title | Exercise Tolerance Testing |
| Department | Clinical Measurements |
| Author(s) | C. Camargo / K. Garrett |
| Review Date | September 2025 |
| Next Review | September 2027 |
| Download | A5 Booklet PDF |
| Accessibility Options | Click on the Recite Me button to show our accessibility resources |
Patient Information
What is an Exercise Tolerance Test?
An exercise tolerance test (ETT) is a procedure to determine the cause of your symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and / or palpitations. It is a good indicator of ischaemia (narrowing of the coronary arteries) within the heart.
How do I prepare for the test?
It is advisable to eat a light meal 4 hours prior to the test. If the test is scheduled for first thing in the morning, then a light breakfast is probably best. You will need to wear light and loose-fitting clothing with comfortable walking shoes, as you will be required to walk briskly on a treadmill. Please do not apply creams or lotions on your skin prior to the test, and please do not wear a sports bra. You may wish to bring a drink with you. You should continue with your usual medications unless otherwise advised.
What does the test involve?
You will be asked to remove your clothes to your waist and put on a hospital gown (if required). Ten sticky electrodes will be fitted onto your chest like an electrocardiogram (ECG) (some men may need to have this area shaved) and a blood pressure (BP) cuff will be attached to one arm. Your BP will be measured before starting the test and every two minutes during exercise.
The test requires you to walk on a treadmill at different interval stages. Every three minutes the treadmill will get a little faster and steeper. You will need to inform the physiologists if you have any symptoms during the test. It is important to walk on the treadmill for as long as you can to enable the consultant to gain as much information as possible.
What happens after the test?
The Cardiac Physiologist on duty will not be able to provide any interpretations. Your results will be sent to your referring physician, which may be a Consultant or your General practitioner (GP). The results will be reviewed, and a letter outlining the findings will be sent to you. You will receive a copy of this letter.
Please allow 2-4 weeks for this process. If you have not received your letter within 6 weeks, please contact your GP.
