Pediatric stress test
Pediatric stress testing at Atlantic Health shows how a child’s heart works during exercise. The test helps doctors observe heart rate, blood pressure, rhythm, EKG changes and symptoms during activity.
Frequently asked questions about stress tests
We offer stress tests, which allow physicians to observe how the patient's heart works during exercise on a treadmill or bicycle.
Stress tests help physicians observe:
- How heart rate and blood pressure are affected by the added stress of physical activity
- Heart rhythms while exercising
- The electrocardiogram (EKG), or recording of electrical impulses within the heart, for changes during exercise
- Significant symptoms that may occur during physical activity
A technologist will place several electrodes, similar to sticky patches, on your child's chest to monitor heart rhythm. A cuff will also be placed around his or her arm to allow blood pressures to be taken frequently throughout the test.
Your child will then begin to walk on an exercise treadmill with the speed and incline gradually increased. At the end of the session, the treadmill will slowly decrease in speed and incline until it comes to a complete stop. The exercise takes 10 to 15 minutes and the complete test takes one hour.
A doctor will be present during the entire examination. If at any time, symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness or fatigue, occur, he or she should be informed.
The pediatric cardiologist present during the stress test will discuss the results with you and your child at the end of the session.
Preparing your child for a stress test
We recommend the following steps to prepare your child for a stress test:
Have your child wear sneakers and loose comfortable clothes, such as shorts or sweats.
Ensure your child adheres to our recommendations regarding food and drinks. He or she must not eat anything within two hours of the test and must not drink anything other than water or clear liquids within one hour of the test.
Additional guidelines: For tests scheduled early in the morning, your child may have a light breakfast. For tests scheduled in the early afternoon, your child may have a full breakfast and a light snack for lunch. For tests scheduled in the late afternoon, your child may have a full breakfast and full lunch.
Bring a snack with a drink for your child to have after the test is completed.
Bring your stress test prescription, which is required for registration.
Park in the JCP&L parking garage and arrive on time to Gagnon Cardiovascular Institute, Level C at Morristown Medical Center.
Prior to the test, contact your insurance company to verify coverage.
As part of Atlantic Health Children’s Health, physician services are provided through Atlantic Medical Group and are on staff at Goryeb Children’s Hospital.