How to prepare for your stress test

Always follow your doctor's advice about preparing for a stress test. Tell your doctor about any medicines you take, including over-the-counter medicines, herbs and vitamins. He or she may ask you not to take them before the test. Don’t stop taking your medicine until your doctor tells you to.

Your doctor may also ask you not to eat certain foods, such as caffeine-containing beverages (i.e. coffee, tea, soft drinks) or chocolate, for 24 hours before your test.

The test may have to be postponed or cancelled if you did drink caffeine.

Don’t eat, and drink only water for 4 to 6 hours before your test.

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and comfortable shoes to exercise in.

Visit the Stress Test Coach to sign up for a series of e-mails that can help you prepare for your test.

What Happens After Your Stress Test

You can usually go back to your normal activities right away.

Drink plenty of water to flush the radioactive tracer material from your body.

Make an appointment with your doctor to discuss the test results and next steps.