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
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Featured Facilities that Perform Stress Test

Name Location Price Range
Southwestern Vermont Medical Center Bennington , VT $600 - $1,300
Crownpoint Phs Indian Hospital Crownpoint , NM $430 - $4,600
Covenant Medical Center Saginaw , MI $925 - $2,000
Titus Regional Medical Center Mount Pleasant , TX $1,050 - $2,325
Bayou Bend Health System Franklin , LA $550 - $4,200
Salina Regional Health Center Salina , KS $1,700 - $3,800
Promedica Defiance Regional Hospital Defiance , OH $525 - $4,400
Hendrick Medical Center Abilene , TX $230 - $1,800
Holy Cross Hospital Taos , NM $950 - $2,100
Great Plains Health North Platte , NE $950 - $2,100
Pineville Community Hospital Pineville , KY $1,550 - $3,300
The Monroe Clinic Monroe , WI $725 - $1,550
Good Shepherd Medical Center Hermiston , OR $900 - $4,900
Opelousas General Health System Opelousas , LA $340 - $1,300
Windham Community Memorial Hospital Willimantic , CT $360 - $4,500
Mercer County Joint Township Community Hospital Coldwater , OH $875 - $1,900
Mckay Dee Hospital Ogden , UT $1,700 - $3,700
Iredell Memorial Hospital Inc Statesville , NC $875 - $1,900
Carilion Medical Center Roanoke , VA $725 - $1,600
Mid - Columbia Medical Center The Dalles , OR $1,350 - $2,925
Ottumwa Regional Health Center Ottumwa , IA $725 - $4,000
Mosaic Life Care at St Joseph Saint Joseph , MO $650 - $1,400
Trinity Regional Medical Center Fort Dodge , IA $900 - $1,950
Bucyrus Community Hospital Bucyrus , OH $525 - $4,400
East Morgan County Hospital Brush , CO $975 - $4,700
Firsthealth Moore Regional Hospital Pinehurst , NC $1,800 - $3,900
Cheyenne Regional Medical Center Cheyenne , WY $350 - $2,475
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Gulfport , MS $1,750 - $3,800
Memorial Healthcare Owosso , MI $1,050 - $2,250
Indiana University Health Ball Memorial Hospital Muncie , IN $675 - $1,450

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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