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Contact number: 020 7078 3831
What is an Exercise Stress Test?
An exercise stress test is a cornerstone in cardiac diagnostics, simulating physical activity conditions to monitor the heart’s response. This test is instrumental in diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease or arrhythmias and is vital for people experiencing symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations during exercise, or unexplained fatigue.
Exercise Stress Test at St John & St Elizabeth Hospital
At St John & St Elizabeth Hospital, we offer private exercise stress testing in a calm and welcoming environment. Our hospital is committed to delivering exceptional standards of care, with highly experienced consultants and caring nursing teams.
Choosing us for your exercise stress test offers several benefits:
- Expert Cardiologists: Our team of specialists can offer accurate diagnoses and personalised treatment plans.
- Prompt Appointments: Access to timely testing and results to shorten waiting times.
- Convenient Location: Based in St John’s Wood (NW8), we’re easily accessible to patients across London.
- Comprehensive Care: From initial consultation to follow-up, we provide continuous support throughout your journey.
We aim to make your experience as comfortable as possible, delivering expert care with compassion and professionalism.
How to pay for your treatment
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
If you’re… paying for yourself
Did you know you don’t need private medical insurance to come to St John & St Elizabeth Hospital? As a self-pay patient, you can access safe, outstanding quality health care at times to suit you.
For scans and tests, as well as to see most consultants, you’ll still need to be referred by a medical professional like your GP, but as a self-pay patient, the process is more straightforward. You won’t need authorisation from an insurance provider, and you’ll have greater choice of consultant and appointment times.
Frequently Asked Questions about Exercise Stress Tests
St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is situated in St John’s Wood (NW8), a well-connected and vibrant area of North West London, known for landmarks such as Regent’s Park and Abbey Road Studios. We are easily accessible from neighbouring areas, including Hampstead (NW3) and Kilburn (NW6):
- By Tube: St John’s Wood station (Jubilee Line) is just a 5-minute walk from the hospital. For patients travelling from Hampstead (NW3), Finchley Road station (Jubilee Line) offers a convenient route, while Kilburn (NW6) is similarly well served by the same line.
- By Bus:
Wellington Road: Routes 13, 46, 82, and 113 stop near St John’s Wood Underground Station, just a short walk from the hospital.
Circus Road: Routes 46 and 187 stop close to the hospital’s Circus Road entrance.
Abbey Road: Routes 139 and 189 stop near the junction where Grove End Road becomes Abbey Road, providing easy access.
- By Car: If you’re travelling from NW3 or NW6, use major roads like Finchley Road or Kilburn High Road for a direct approach.
Our hospital’s location in St John’s Wood ensures easy access for patients across London, particularly from the NW8, NW3, and NW6 postcodes.
An exercise stress test can identify various heart conditions, including:
- Coronary Artery Disease: Reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.
- Arrhythmias: Irregular heartbeats during physical activity.
- Exercise-Induced Symptoms: Such as chest pain or shortness of breath.
Our cardiologists will interpret your test results to provide an accurate diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment if necessary.
An exercise stress test can typically take up to 60 minutes to complete. This includes preparation, the exercise phase (walking or running on a treadmill), and post-exercise monitoring.
During the test, your heart’s response to physical activity is closely monitored to ensure your safety and get the necessary readings. After completing the test, you may be asked to rest briefly while your heart rate and blood pressure return to normal.
Yes, preparation may involve specific instructions from your cardiologist, such as medication adjustments and dietary restrictions, to ensure accurate results. You will be provided with general information when you book your appointment for the test, including advice on wearing loose clothing (your shirt may be removed to expose your chest), comfortable running shoes and preferably trousers/shorts comfortable for walking or jogging.
Our team will guide you through the process to ensure your comfort and that you understand what is happening at each step of the process.
Here is your step-by-step guide to an exercise stress test
- You will be welcomed by one of our cardiac physiologists and taken to the treatment room.
- The procedure will be explained in detail (what it entails and what to expect).
- You will be presented with a consent form to confirm if you are happy to carry on with the test after it has been explained.
- You will then be asked to remove clothing from your waist up (including the bra for women), you may be provided a gown to cover yourself during the procedure. You will be asked to lie down and relax as small, sticky electrodes are attached to your chest.
- A recording of your blood pressure will be taken at this point, every 2-3 minutes during exercise and every 2 minutes after exercise.
- You will be asked to walk on the treadmill at increasing intensities (increasing speed and incline) until one of the criteria to stop is reached (this will be explained in the beginning).
- You will be monitored for a few minutes after exercising to ensure you feel well before leaving.