TMT

How TMT Works

During a TMT, the patient is asked to walk on a treadmill that gradually increases in speed and incline. Electrodes are placed on the chest to record the heart’s electrical activity through an electrocardiogram (ECG). As the treadmill’s intensity increases, the heart has to work harder, allowing the doctor to monitor how it responds to physical stress. The test usually lasts for about 10-15 minutes or until the patient reaches a target heart rate or experiences any symptoms.

Common Uses of TMT

TMT is commonly used to evaluate and diagnose:

• Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): Detecting blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries that can restrict blood flow to the heart.
• Chest Pain: Helping doctors determine whether chest pain is caused by heart conditions or other factors.
• Heart Function Assessment: Evaluating the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently during exercise.
• Exercise-Induced Arrhythmias: Identifying abnormal heart rhythms that may occur during physical activity.
• Risk Assessment: Assessing the heart’s performance in individuals with a history of cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure, diabetes, or high cholesterol.

Benefits of TMT

TMT is a valuable tool for diagnosing heart disease and assessing cardiovascular health. It is particularly useful for detecting issues that may not be apparent at rest, such as exercise-induced arrhythmias or ischemia (lack of blood flow to the heart). The test is non-invasive and provides real-time feedback on how well the heart performs under stress, enabling doctors to make informed treatment decisions.

Safety

TMT is a safe procedure with minimal risks. Patients are closely monitored throughout the test to ensure their safety. It may not be recommended for individuals with severe heart disease, uncontrolled arrhythmias, or certain other medical conditions, but it is generally well-tolerated by most patients.