Exercise Tolerance Test (ETT)
Fee Schedule
Exercise Tolerance Test
Exercise ECG
DVLA Testing
Self funded
£300
£450
Insured
Billed directly
What to expect
An Exercise Test looks at the electrical activity of the heart while under physiological stress. This test is similar to a regular 12-lead ECG where electrodes are attached to the chest to assess the electrical rhythm of the heart. However, for an exercise test, an exercise machine such as a treadmill or exercise bike will be used to increase the heart rate. A specialist physiologist or consultant cardiologist will conduct this test and supervise you throughout.
How does a Stress ECG / Exercise ECG work?
An Exercise ECG is a pain-free, non-invasive test that is very useful to help your cardiologist or doctor understand how your heart behaves when it is not at rest. The duration of the test will depend on your ability to complete each stage as well as our assessment of your progress during the test. This test looks purely at the electrical activity of the heart during exercise. A different test will be able to look at the heart's structure and function during exercise through ultrasound. For this, go to Stress Echocardiogram.
​
Exercise / 'Stressing' the heart
​
The exercise element of the test will be on a treadmill or an exercise bike. Our specialist physiologist will attach the ECG electrodes to your chest and torso which will allow them to see your heartbeat during the exercise stages. A resting ECG will be taken to see how your heart is at rest before the exercise stage begins.
​
The exercise element of the test will begin slowly and increase gradually according to the BRUCE protocol. Every 3 minutes, the difficulty of the exercise will increase and in turn, will increase your heart rate. On a treadmill, each stage will see an increase in speed and inclination, whereas on an exercise bike, each stage will translate to a higher wattage (intensity of exercise).
​
This test aims to be able to reach and maintain your target heart rate, which is calculated before the test by the specialist physiologist. The physiologist may also take blood pressure and oxygen saturation measurements throughout the test. Once the physiologist is satisfied, they will stop the test and monitor your recovery which should last for a minimum of 5-7 minutes regardless of how much exercise was achieved.
​
The physiologist will continue to monitor you throughout the test to ensure you are okay to continue. They may ask you questions during the test to determine if you are experiencing any symptoms. Most people will likely start to feel tired after stage 3 or 4, so the physiologist may complete the test earlier if they have enough data and information to provide an accurate report.
​
The test will conclude when/if:
​
• If you have achieved and maintained your target heart rate, or gone reasonably above without any significant symptoms
• The physiologist has enough data to provide an accurate report to your cardiologist, doctor, or other health specialist
• The physiologist determines that it is not safe to continue the test (either because of a poor quality ECG trace or if you feel unwell)
• If you are unable to continue the test (due to fatigue or symptoms)
​​
DVLA Information - Medical Fitness
The Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency (DVLA) may require you to undertake one or more cardiac tests to determine medical fitness to drive, especially for professional drivers who drive for organisations such as the DVLA, public services, TfL, and others. The DVLA must ensure you are able to meet their requirements as outlined in their guidelines to declare you medically fit to drive.
​
Common tests that the DVLA requests include but are not limited to Exercise Tolerance Tests (Exercise ECG), Echocardiograms, and Stress Echocardiograms. At Heartsure, we are proud to support professional drivers and others who require medical fitness testing. To find out more, click here or go to www.heartsure.co.uk/dvla
How to be referred
GP or Other Healthcare Professional:
Your GP or another clinician can refer you by sending a referral letter or completing our referral form and emailing it to info@heartsure.co.uk. Please confirm with your doctor whether you are self funding or using private health insurance.
Self Referral:
You can self refer by completing our self referral form or contacting our team. Please check with your insurer first if you plan to use private health insurance, as some policies require a GP referral.
Clinic Availiblity
Our cardiologists run clinics throughout the week. Contact us and we will guide you to the most suitable consultant.
Covering your care
Heartsure provides competitive pricing. You can cover your care through private health insurance or by self funding.
​
Private Health Insurance:
We work with all major UK insurers. Please confirm your cover and obtain an authorisation code before your appointment. If you cannot see your insurer listed, contact us.
​
Self Funding:
You can pay by card, bank transfer, or secure online payment. Self funding patients must complete our Fees and Insurance form. Our fee guide is available on our website.
​
More information:
For more information about Exercise Tolerance Tests / Exercise ECGs, find a detailed guide here.
​