Exercise Testing: Monitoring Heart Function and Fitness
The Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center conducts exercise tests to gain detailed information about a child's heart, heart function, physical fitness and response to extra demands of activity. Nearly 800 graded exercise tests are performed annually at Cincinnati Children's.
Based on the individual's needs, age or ability, the Exercise Laboratory will carry out the exercise test on a stationary upright, recumbent or supine bicycle, treadmill or an arm ergometer. When appropriate, an echocardiographic assessment will also be performed during exercise testing.
Exercise testing is not extremely risky or dangerous. Complications rarely occur, and if they do, the staff is equipped and trained to handle this. Because the heart's function is being constantly monitored during the test, exercise is stopped if anything worrisome is observed. No one is pushed to exercise at a level beyond their level of comfort.
Experienced exercise technicians administer the test and a pediatric cardiologist interprets the test data.
Exercise tests are scheduled by appointment and are performed in the Cardiology Clinic on the fourth floor of Location C on Cincinnati Children's Burnet Campus. Test results are typically available within one business week. The test results are given or sent to the referring physician, who will then contact the patient or family. If the results reveal a problem needing urgent attention, the physician in charge will be notified before the patient leaves the Heart Institute.
Contact the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children's
For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact the Heart Institute at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
