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
Phoenix, AZ Stress Test Cost Average $1,350 - $3,400
Houston, TX Stress Test Cost Average $1,250 - $3,300
New York, NY Stress Test Cost Average $1,150 - $2,925
Atlanta, GA Stress Test Cost Average $1,150 - $2,925
Chicago, IL Stress Test Cost Average $1,250 - $3,200
Dallas, TX Stress Test Cost Average $1,100 - $2,850
Miami, FL Stress Test Cost Average $1,250 - $3,200
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
Click to find out more about how to use the pricing information shown on this site.

Featured Facilities that Perform Stress Test

Name Location Price Range
Atrium Health Floyd Polk Medical Center Cedartown , GA $525 - $4,500
Sgmc Health Lanier Lakeland , GA $1,950 - $4,300
Sagewest Health Care Riverton , WY $950 - $2,100
Community Howard Regional Health Inc. Kokomo , IN $1,250 - $2,700
Brigham City Community Hospital Brigham City , UT $1,200 - $2,625
St Mary Medical Center Galesburg , IL $900 - $2,000
Parkview Huntington Hospital Huntington , IN $775 - $1,700
Iredell Memorial Hospital Inc Statesville , NC $875 - $1,900
Hca Florida Raulerson Hospital Okeechobee , FL $1,800 - $3,900
St Joseph's Hospital Health Center Syracuse , NY $220 - $1,400
Good Shepherd Medical Center Longview , TX $1,500 - $3,300
Mymichigan Medical Center Midland Midland , MI $1,100 - $2,400
Lakeland Regional Medical Center Lakeland , FL $600 - $3,800
Great Falls Clinic Hospital Great Falls , MT $500 - $3,900
Memorial Healthcare System, Inc Chattanooga , TN $900 - $1,950
North Carolina Baptist Hospital Winston-salem , NC $950 - $3,600
Marion General Hospital Marion , IN $1,750 - $3,900
Northeastern Nevada Regional Hospital Elko , NV $1,150 - $2,475
Healthpark Hospital Hot Springs , AR $1,050 - $2,250
Rochelle Community Hospital Rochelle , IL $625 - $4,700
Ascension Seton Medical Center Austin Austin , TX $725 - $1,600
Roane Medical Center Harriman , TN $900 - $1,950
Avera Sacred Heart Hospital Yankton , SD $750 - $1,600
Parkland Health and Hospital System Dallas , TX $850 - $1,850
Mercyone North Iowa Medical Center Mason City , IA $1,150 - $2,550
Banner North Colorado Medical Center Greeley , CO $1,050 - $2,325
Akron General Medical Center Akron , OH $1,150 - $2,475
Taylorville Memorial Hospital Taylorville , IL $625 - $4,700
Dyersburg Regional Medical Center Dyersburg , TN $875 - $1,900
St. Patrick Hospital Missoula , MT $1,700 - $3,700

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.

In the news

CNN Health The Seattle Times NPR