Stress Test Cost and Stress Test Procedures Information

A Stress Test, often referred to as a exercise test, treadmill test, exercise electrocardiogram, graded exercise test, or stress ECG test, is used to help determine how much stress your heart can handle before developing an abnormal rhythm or evidence of ischemia which is when your heart doesn’t receive enough blood flow. At rest, a heart with coronary artery blockage may have very little symptoms and be unrecognizable by an EKG test. However, when a heart is put under stress it requires more oxygen so the heart pumps harder for more blood and an EKG test can better identify coronary artery blockage and heart problems.

Stress Test Cost Averages Around the Country

Price Range
Los Angeles, CA Stress Test Cost Average $1,450 - $3,700
Houston, TX Stress Test Cost Average $1,250 - $3,300
Dallas, TX Stress Test Cost Average $1,100 - $2,850
Phoenix, AZ Stress Test Cost Average $1,350 - $3,400
Atlanta, GA Stress Test Cost Average $1,150 - $2,925
Chicago, IL Stress Test Cost Average $1,250 - $3,200
Miami, FL Stress Test Cost Average $1,250 - $3,200
New York, NY Stress Test Cost Average $1,150 - $2,925
Philadelphia, PA Stress Test Cost Average $1,750 - $4,500
Washington, DC Stress Test Cost Average $1,100 - $2,775

Specific Stress Test Procedures and National Cost Averages

Price Range
Cardiovascular Stress Test Cost Average $1,150 - $2,925
Pulmonary Tests (Stress Test) Cost Average $450 - $1,200
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Featured Facilities that Perform Stress Test

Name Location Price Range
Titus Regional Medical Center Mount Pleasant , TX $1,050 - $2,325
Whidbeyhealth Medical Center Coupeville , WA $650 - $5,000
Upmc Hamot Erie , PA $1,650 - $3,600
Memorial Hospital and Manor Bainbridge , GA $625 - $1,350
Salem Regional Medical Center Salem , OH $575 - $1,250
Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center Wilkes-barre , PA $1,150 - $2,475
Singing River Health System Pascagoula , MS $625 - $4,200
Ohio State University State Health System Columbus , OH $260 - $3,300
Beauregard Memorial Hospital Deridder , LA $775 - $1,650
Cassia Regional Hospital Burley , ID $480 - $3,700
King's Daughters' Medical Center Ashland , KY $700 - $1,500
Wheeling Hospital, Inc Wheeling , WV $370 - $1,500
Salem Township Hospital Salem , IL $625 - $4,700
Northeastern Health System Tahlequah , OK $525 - $1,150
North Arkansas Regional Medical Center Harrison , AR $800 - $1,750
Lakes Regional Healthcare Spirit Lake , IA $825 - $1,800
Virginia Mason Medical Center Seattle , WA $220 - $4,200
Archbold Memorial Thomasville , GA $650 - $1,400
Shands Jacksonville Jacksonville , FL $1,050 - $2,250
Galion Community Hospital Galion , OH $525 - $4,400
Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital Pinehurst , NC $1,800 - $3,900
Centura Longmont United Hospital Longmont , CO $800 - $1,750
University of MD Shore Medical Center at Easton Easton , MD $450 - $3,500
Faith Regional Health Services Norfolk , NE $975 - $2,100
Ephraim Mcdowell Fort Logan Hospital Stanford , KY $650 - $4,300
Dunn Memorial Hospital Bedford , IN $525 - $4,500
Doctors Hospital of Laredo Laredo , TX $1,500 - $3,300
Providence Centralia Hospital Centralia , WA $1,450 - $3,100
Fayette Regional Health System Connersville , IN $380 - $3,300
Colleton Medical Center Walterboro , SC $1,500 - $3,300

More about Stress Test Procedures

Stress Test Patient Preparation

Do not eat or drink for three hours prior to the procedure. This reduces the likelihood of nausea that may accompany strenuous exercise after a heavy meal. If you are a diabetic, make sure you let your doctor know ahead of time so you can get specific instructions regarding your insulin prior to your Stress Test. A good rule of thumb for Insulin Dependent Diabetics is to eat a small meal 4 hours prior to your test and then take your insulin. For Non-Insulin Diabetics, eat a light meal 4 hours prior to your test and then take your oral medication. It is important to monitor your glucose levels prior to the test. Your glucose should be less than 150. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are suitable for exercise. Avoid tobacco, alcohol, caffeine and other stimulants a few days prior to the test in that they may affect the results of your test. Avoid skin oils and lubricants prior to the test in that it may inhibit the test electrodes from sticking to your skin. Check with your doctor but most likely heart medicines will need to be stopped one or two days prior to the test. Discuss all medications or herbal supplements you are taking prior to the test. Some of these may alter your test results and your physician and the technician should be aware of what you take prior to the test. Bring a list of all your medications with you for review by the facility.

What to expect during and after a Stress Test

A Stress Test is a relatively painless procedure. The only discomfort may be associated with the exercise performed in order to put the heart under stress and possibly the adhesives used to attach the electrical leads, electrodes, to your chest. The exam does not produce electricity, but simply records the electrical activity produced by a patient's heart. The overall preparation and test will take approximately 60 minutes not including waiting time. When the test is ready to be run a technician will bring the EKG machine to the patient and attach the leads onto the patient's chest with small stickers. Prior to starting to exercise, the technician will perform an EKG test to measure your heart rate and blood pressure at rest. Upon completion, you will be asked to run on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike to increase your heart rate. The EKG test will be on and monitored at regular intervals by the technician during your exercise. It is important to tell the technician if you feel chest, arm, or jaw pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizzy, lightheaded, or any other unusual symptoms. You will be asked to exercise until you feel exhausted or for about 10 to 12 minutes.

After the test you will cool down by walking or pedaling slowly for a few minutes. The EKG test will continue to be on to monitor your heart until all levels return to normal. Your EKG results will be interpreted by a trained doctor and then discussed with you directly.

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