Cardiac Stress Test
in Singapore

See how your heart responds to exertion with a doctor-supervised treadmill exercise ECG at Mediway Medical Centre. Same-day findings, GP consultation included.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD · MBBS · Last reviewed 28 April 2026

Book Appointment WhatsApp 8779 9898

Reviewed by Dr. Qiao Yufei, MD No referral required Walk-in welcome

Live ECG Monitor Bruce Protocol

142

Heart Rate (BPM)

Stage 3 · Target zone reached

00:0000:0600:1200:18LIVE

Estimated from

$250

What is a Cardiac Stress Test?

“ Definition

A cardiac stress test measures how your heart performs under controlled physical exertion. By comparing readings at rest and under effort, a doctor can identify blocked arteries, rhythm disturbances, or reduced blood supply to the heart muscle that may not appear on a standard resting ECG.

How it works at Mediway Medical Centre

Mediway Medical Centre offers the treadmill exercise stress test (also called an exercise ECG). We have provided in-clinic ECG and treadmill stress testing since 2016. Reports are reviewed on the day by the supervising doctor, with a written report issued within 3 to 5 working days.

Specialist variants such as pharmacological stress, stress echocardiogram, and nuclear stress testing are referred to cardiology clinics or hospitals when clinically indicated.

When Should You Get a Cardiac Stress Test?

A cardiac stress test is usually considered when symptoms, risk factors, or clinical context call for a closer look at how your heart responds to exertion.

Chest Discomfort

Symptom

Persistent chest tightness, pressure, or unusual breathlessness when climbing stairs or exerting yourself.

Palpitations or Fatigue

Symptom

Unexplained fatigue on exertion, palpitations, or episodes of dizziness during activity.

CV Risk Factors

Risk

Diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a smoking history, or a family history of early heart disease.

Pre-Op Clearance

Pre-op

Heart clearance before non-cardiac surgery, where general anaesthesia or post-op recovery places demand on the heart.

Insurance / Employment

Clearance

Exercise ECG needed for insurance underwriting, employment medicals, or aviation and maritime clearance.

Return to Exercise

Fitness

Resuming a structured exercise programme after a sedentary period, or returning to competitive sport after age 40.

Types of Cardiac Stress Tests in Singapore

Five cardiac investigations are commonly used in Singapore, each with its own strengths, radiation exposure, and cost profile. Mediway offers the treadmill exercise ECG; the other four are referred to partner cardiology clinics when clinically indicated.

	Offered at MediwayExercise ECG (Treadmill)From $250Book this test	Stress Echocardiogram$600 to $900 (referred)	Nuclear Perfusion (MPI)$1,500 to $2,500 (referred)	Pharmacological$700 to $1,200 (referred)	CT Coronary Angiogram$800 to $1,500 (referred)
What it detects	Exercise-induced ECG changes, arrhythmias, and functional capacity	Wall motion abnormalities with ultrasound imaging	Regional blood flow and scar tissue in heart muscle	Ischaemic response when patient cannot exercise	Coronary artery narrowing and plaque (anatomy)
Radiation	None	None	Moderate	None	Moderate
Duration	30 to 45 minutes	45 to 60 minutes	2 to 4 hours	45 to 60 minutes	15 to 30 minutes
Preferred when	First-line screen in mobile patients with cardiac risk factors	Baseline ECG abnormalities or need for imaging detail	Prior myocardial infarction; complex disease workup	Mobility limitation, joint or neurological conditions	Low-to-intermediate risk chest pain; younger patients
Referral required	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes

Scroll sideways to compare all five tests

Most patients start with the Treadmill Exercise ECG First-line, no referral, no radiation exposure, from $250 at Mediway. Specialist tests are arranged only if clinically indicated.

Book Treadmill Stress Test

What to Expect During the Test

A cardiac stress test at Mediway takes 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to recovery, with continuous ECG monitoring throughout.

160 bpm 115 70 bpm

01 Resting

~70 bpm

Arrive & Prepare

Change into comfortable clothing and trainers. Electrodes are placed on your chest for continuous ECG monitoring.

02 Baseline

~75 bpm

Baseline Readings

Resting ECG, blood pressure, and heart rate recorded before you start walking.

03 Target zone

~150 bpm

Exercise Phase

Bruce protocol: speed and incline increase every three minutes until target heart rate, symptoms, or you choose to stop.

04 Recovery

~90 bpm

Recovery & Review

ECG and BP tracked post-exertion. Doctor discusses preliminary findings; written report within 3 to 5 days.

Bruce Protocol Stages Explained

The Bruce protocol increases treadmill speed and incline every three minutes across seven stages. Each stage corresponds to a workload measured in METs (metabolic equivalents). Reaching Bruce Stage 4, roughly 13 METs, reflects good functional capacity and is associated with a lower probability of significant coronary artery disease in healthy adults aged 40 to 60.

1
1.7 mph · 10% incline4.6 METs
Light warm-up pace
2
2.5 mph · 12% incline7.0 METs
Brisk walking uphill
3
3.4 mph · 14% incline10.2 METs
Typical healthy-adult target
4
4.2 mph · 16% incline12.9 METs
Good functional capacity
5
5.0 mph · 18% incline15.0 METs
Trained or athletic level
6
5.5 mph · 20% incline17.0 METs
Competitive-sport level
7
6.0 mph · 22% incline19.0 METs
Elite endurance level

METs = metabolic equivalents (1 MET = resting oxygen use) Stopping early at Stage 1 or 2 without reaching target heart rate warrants follow-up

How to Prepare for Your Cardiac Stress Test

Follow these four preparation steps so your readings are not influenced by food, caffeine, clothing, or medications.

01 Skip

Heavy Meals 2 to 3 Hours Before

Eat a light meal 2 to 3 hours ahead. Avoid heavy meals just before the test so blood flow is not diverted to digestion.

02 Skip

Caffeine for 24 Hours

Coffee, tea, cola, energy drinks, and chocolate can alter your heart rate response and mask findings.

03 Wear

Comfortable Clothing & Trainers

A loose T-shirt, tracksuit bottoms or shorts, and closed-toe trainers suitable for walking at speed.

04 Check

Your Medications

Signature test

Primary cardiac stress test

Treadmill Stress Test

Bruce protocol exercise ECG with continuous monitoring, doctor supervision, and a signed report. The cardiac stress test this page is about.

$250

GST inclusive

Bruce protocol exercise ECG
GP consultation & briefing
Continuous BP & HR monitoring
Report within 3 to 5 working days

Book Cardiac Stress Test

Other cardiac tests at Mediway

Baseline

Resting ECG

$50

12-lead resting ECG
Doctor interpretation
Written report on the day

Ambulatory

24-Hour Holter Monitor

$500

Continuous 24-hour ECG recording
Arrhythmia analysis
Report with rhythm summary

Same-day

Instant-Check ECG

$400

Same-day recording and analysis
Priority doctor review
Report issued on the same visit

All prices are estimates inclusive of GST. Actual pricing may vary depending on individual clinical needs. Please contact us for the latest pricing.

Safety and Risks

A treadmill exercise stress test is considered safe for most people when performed by a trained team with emergency equipment on hand. Serious complications are uncommon.

Medical contraindications

The test is generally not recommended if you have

Unstable angina or recent heart attack Within the past few days; the heart needs stabilisation before any stress testing.
Acute
Severe structural heart disease Severe aortic stenosis or other major structural issues that restrict safe exertion.
Structural
Uncontrolled heart failure or arrhythmia Symptomatic heart failure or rhythm disturbances that are not yet stable on treatment.
On treatment
Severely high blood pressure on the day If resting BP is very high at check-in, the doctor may reschedule the test.
Day-of
Acute infection or other acute illness Fever, active infection, or any acute illness that would make exercise unsafe.
Acute

Alternative investigations

Where any of the above apply, your doctor may suggest a pharmacological stress test, stress echocardiogram, or direct cardiologist referral depending on your clinical picture.

Frequently Asked Questions

Answers to the most common questions about cardiac stress testing at Mediway.

01 How long does a cardiac stress test take?

A cardiac stress test at Mediway takes 30 to 45 minutes from arrival to recovery. This includes placement of ECG electrodes, baseline readings, the treadmill exercise phase, and continued monitoring in recovery until your heart rate and blood pressure return towards baseline. Allow a little extra time for the initial doctor briefing.

02 Is a cardiac stress test painful?

The test itself is not painful. It involves walking on a treadmill at gradually increasing speed and incline, similar to a brisk uphill walk that becomes more demanding in stages. You may feel normal exercise sensations: warmth, faster breathing, and tired legs. ECG electrodes are self-adhesive pads; some chest hair may need to be trimmed for a clean signal.

03 Do I need to fast before the test?

Strict fasting is not required. You should avoid food for two to three hours and caffeine for twenty-four hours before a treadmill stress test. Eat a light meal 2 to 3 hours ahead so you are neither hungry nor full during the test, and stay well hydrated with water.

04 Can I take my heart medications on the day?

Some medications can affect test results and may need to be paused. Beta-blockers in particular can blunt the heart rate response and make it harder to reach the target rate. Do not stop any medication on your own. Speak with your doctor before the test so specific instructions can be given based on the medicines you are taking.

05 What does Bruce Stage 4 mean?

Bruce Stage 4 is the fourth three-minute interval of the treadmill stress test, at 4.2 mph and 16 per cent incline, equivalent to roughly 13 METs. Reaching Stage 4 reflects good functional capacity for most adults aged 40 to 60 and is associated with a lower probability of significant coronary artery disease. Your doctor will interpret the stage reached alongside your heart rate response, blood pressure, symptoms, and ECG tracings.

06 Can I walk instead of run?

Yes. The Bruce protocol is designed as a walking test: Stage 1 starts at 1.7 mph with a gentle incline, and later stages become a fast uphill walk or light jog. You walk at the treadmill’s set pace; the goal is to reach a target heart rate or sustained workload, not to sprint. You can stop at any time if you feel unsteady or unwell.

07 What happens if my result is abnormal?

An abnormal stress test is not a diagnosis. It means the ECG, heart rate, or blood pressure response during exertion suggests the heart muscle may not be receiving adequate blood flow, or that a rhythm disturbance is present. The usual next step is a stress echocardiogram, CT coronary angiogram, or referral to a cardiologist for further assessment. At Mediway, our doctor will discuss findings with you on the day and arrange onward investigations as clinically indicated.

08 Do I need a referral to book a cardiac stress test at Mediway?

No referral is required. You can book a cardiac stress test directly with Mediway Medical Centre. A GP consultation is included so the doctor can review your symptoms, risk factors, and medications before the test, and discuss findings with you afterwards. If your situation calls for a stress echocardiogram or nuclear study, we will arrange referral to a partner cardiology clinic.

Still have a question? Our team answers cardiac stress test queries quickly over WhatsApp or phone during clinic hours.

Ask on WhatsApp Call 6909 0190

Book Your Cardiac Stress Test

Located at The Riverwalk, a 2-minute walk from Clarke Quay MRT (Exit E). Walk-in or booked appointments welcome.

Call Us

6909 0190

Mon to Fri 7:30am to 6pm

Same-day slots often available

20 Upper Circular Rd, #B1-26/29 The Riverwalk, Singapore 058416 Clarke Quay MRT (NE5), Exit E · 2-minute walk Hours: Mon to Fri 7:30am to 6pm · Sat 7:30am to 1pm

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References

Singapore Heart Foundation. Heart Health Guides & Risk Factors. Available at myheart.org.sg.
Ministry of Health, Singapore. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Stable Ischaemic Heart Disease. Available at moh.gov.sg.
Gulati M, Levy PD, Mukherjee D, et al. 2021 AHA/ACC/ASE/CHEST/SAEM/SCCT/SCMR Guideline for the Evaluation and Diagnosis of Chest Pain. Circulation, 2021.

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