what heart rate is needed on the tread mill to get a good me...

what heart rate is needed on the tread mill to get a good measure for the test?

I presume that you're talking about an exercise induced cardiac stress test.

This isn't a test about getting good results for heart rate. It's about checking many things related to heart function as the difficulty is increased.

So what are they looking for ...

1) Heart rate response ... How does your heart rate respond to increases in difficulty? Does it increase at a predictable rate both with difficulty and time?

2) Breathing difficulty ... The technician will be watching you for signs of shortness of breath as difficulty and time goes on.

3) EKG abnormalities. A continuous Electrocardiogram is taken as you walk and the tech will be watching for abnormalities, and also will be taking EKG recordings for analysis as time goes by and difficulty increases.

4) Blood pressure. Your BP is checked as the test progresses in the same way to ensure it doesn't go over the top.

5) After all the walking part of the test is complete, they you will be monitored for your heart and breathing recovery again with EKG and BP taken from time to time.


This is not a test you want to "pass" if you have a problem with your heart ... this is a test that you want to help reveal possible problems if they're there. It's not a test you can prepare for either.