ECG exercise test

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7735

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Having applied for the renewal of my licence, keeping the C1 entitlement the DVLA are insisting that I take an ECG exercise test. I assume it entails a treadmill test. Anybody know how strenuous it is and what you need to do to achieve a pass. My licence runs out in October, I know I can continue to drive until I’m told not to, but if I fail I will be left with a motorhome on my drive that I will be unable to move. Is there any room for appeal,
Spongy
 
Probably not the same but the last one I had was to help diagnose a heart problem.
Wired up to ECG and treadmill flat no problem, but as soon as the platform was elevated and I had to start putting effort in it became apparent if they didn't stop..... I would, permenantly.
The test was 9 minutes, it was stopped after just 3 minutes
 
I’ve no idea as to “pass/fail criteria but this is what happened when I had one:

You’re hooked up to equipment to monitor your heart.
You walk slowly in place on the treadmill.
The treadmill tilts so you feel like you’re going up a small hill.
It changes speeds to make you walk faster.
The angle of tilt increases gradually.
You may be asked to breathe into a tube for a couple of minutes.
You can stop the test at any time if you need to.
 
Get out there and start daily walking to bring your levels up.
Others have already stated what's involved and I had it done ref my heart attack / bypass but to be honest can't remember how it went. I think I was disappointed as I thought I was in for a jog ?
 
People above have pretty much explained it.
I had one inclining ECG and stopped after two minutes.
It wasn't until years later I had the same test and it lasted 15 or so with increasing incline and speed that got as high as just about having to jog rather than walk.
Please note this was to diagnose a heart condition (which they did after only two minutes first time) and second time was checking on my overall heart well being.

I got the impression the test is simply to put a little pressure on the heart and circulation and look for unusual patterns or beats or arrhythmia if you want to get technical. Also heart valve performance and peak flow rates, rather than what your time would be for running a mile!
 
The test is based on something called the Bruce Protocol Stress Test a 7 stage test completed to stage 7 by only the fittest of athletes. I believe those needing to do this for C1 retention only do first 3 stages. DVLA website should give more details. Not sure of what cardiac conditions require this but fibralation and syncope conditions on list. I'm due for first renewal in December and have been told not to do it. As I understand the test must be undertaken at a hospital but check with DVLA if you must do test. My own experience is that G P often don't have any more info than DVLA as it is complex and not a common requirement. I do have more info but not home at present, will try and post later.
 
I am fascinated how they will test me on crutches due to 3 spinal fractures and a history of angina
 
tonka said:
I recall I did mine ok but expected to do a lot more. Had my track suit on and everything. Even a head sweat band ;) :rofl:
Click to expand...

I’m going to buy some new trainers for when I have to do mine....???

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It can be done via an injection which i had done slightly safer than exercise. One advantage they can immediately switch the injection one off
 
TheBig1 said:
I am fascinated how they will test me on crutches due to 3 spinal fractures and a history of angina
Click to expand...
They MAY do it chemically.
Shirl had it done this way. Just a regular injection via a canular in her hand and it exerts a strain on your heart.
You are monitored at all times for adverse reactions.
Doesn't last long but she said it is a bit alarming as your heart is pounding as though your running up Everest with a sheep on your back but your laid still

Romany types quicker than me.
 
The treadmill test is for 9 mins, 3 mins at a brisk walk, 3mins brisker walk with a slight incline, and then final 3 mins steeper incline and a little faster. I was OK after the initial 6 mins but found the last couple of mins hard work, I passed but only found out when I received the c1, the technicians, who monitored me would not advise, said the results had to be sent to dvla.
@Chocyboy recently did his and said it was a walk in the park .
Start some walking uphill, and when you do the test go in your short s and walking shoes/trainers and a tee-shirt, don't go heavily dressed.
Best of luck

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DVLA are getting very keen on the treadmill test for licence renewal. Could it be there way of stopping older drivers gaining licences?
It's about time they started giving brain scans to our younger drivers based on there standard of driving.
 
If you take meds for your heart condition don't stop taking them before the test.
When Glenn did the stress test the hospital told him to stop taking meds 3 days before the test. This is normal for a diagnostic test, but DVLA say keep taking the meds. As a result Glenn ducked out on the test. We did successfully appeal once we found out the test hadn't been administered properly but is was complicated and it was a year before he got his licence back.
 
I now have exact details of treadmill requirements, this applies to drivers with an Implanted Defibrillator (ICD ) .
Stage 1 is 3 mins at @1.7m p h and 10% incline, 3 mins @ 2.5 m p h 12% incline and 3 mins @ 3.4m p h and 14% .
Sounds easy if you say it quick but when I last did it I failed miserably. Requirement for other conditions may be different. As Hils and Glenns ansay do not let any body persuade you to do it without taking your meds. I did that 10 years ago and had a cardiac arrest.
 
wiljoy said:
DVLA are getting very keen on the treadmill test for licence renewal. Could it be there way of stopping older drivers gaining licences?
It's about time they started giving brain scans to our younger drivers based on there standard of driving.
Click to expand...
We were young once..BUSBY??
 
I did one back in June due to blacking out whilst on hols in May, just a gentle walk she said to start we don’t expect you to run. Well the first few minutes were ok, then the slight incline and bit faster still ok, then up again and faster still, doctor by my side taking my blood pressure then she goes ok last one now, well, if you don’t run you will be like Usain bolt on the virgin advert, the doctor couldn’t get my arm still for long enough to get a reading so gave up, I managed the whole 13 minutes and hit 17.5 mets which is just below what a marathon runner hits apparently so well pleased with my efforts, there was no point in going through the motions I felt I had to push myself to see what happened, off to the opticians on Thursday and doctors on Monday to have my checks and form filled out to reapply for my licence with C1 I hope.

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TheBig1 said:
I am fascinated how they will test me on crutches due to 3 spinal fractures and a history of angina
Click to expand...
That is simple, you will be refused a licence to drive over 3500kgs. They are paranoid about angina although stable angina is not the dangerous one it is the crescendo angina that is forthcoming doom requiring intervention, The nuclear medicine scans awful, I had one and they raised my heart rate to 220 beats a minute. and that does hurt. 180 was my normal maximum.
 
tonka said:
Get out there and start daily walking to bring your levels up.
Others have already stated what's involved and I had it done ref my heart attack / bypass but to be honest can't remember how it went. I think I was disappointed as I thought I was in for a jog ?
Click to expand...
I walk e
joka250 said:
The test is based on something called the Bruce Protocol Stress Test a 7 stage test completed to stage 7 by only the fittest of athletes. I believe those needing to do this for C1 retention only do first 3 stages. DVLA website should give more details. Not sure of what cardiac conditions require this but fibralation and syncope conditions on list. I'm due for first renewal in December and have been told not to do it. As I understand the test must be undertaken at a hospital but check with DVLA if you must do test. My own experience is that G P often don't have any more info than DVLA as it is complex and not a common requirement. I do have more info but not home at present, will try and post later.
Click to expand...
I have to take the test at my local hospital, paid for by DVLA. I didn’t need the test last time I renewed, so why now. I was diagnosed ( wrongly in my opinion) with angina 20 years ago. I have no symptoms and take no medication. Unfortunately it is on my medical record and I’m stuck with it.
Spongy
 
Personally, as a pedestrian I can't see the difference between being hit by a 3500kg van being driven at 50mph by an unconscious 70 year old driver or a 7500kg van being driven at 50mph by an unconscious 70 year old driver.
Either one is going to make a hell of a mess and probably kill you.
Just because DVLA declare you unfit to drive 3500kg+ doesn't mean you're not going to crash a sub 3500kg with similar results.
There should be a compulsory medical for ALL drivers at 70.... And I would probably fail.
 
My husband did his 3 yrs ago and as others have said it consists if 3x3 min continuous walking at various speeds and angles and you must complete it to pass. Not only do you have E C G monitors on but also Blood Pressure monitor. The doctor was present at the stress test and once completed he confirmed that he had passed. The week previous to this he had to attend the same hospital for an Ultrasound scan. He is not going to do it again even though he walks every day with our dogs. GOOD LUCK
 
A doctor, three nurses, a room in the hospital, time taken - for what?

If I fail I can't drive my 3.85t van but I can still drive my 2.0t old V8 Jag..... and I know which is more scary!

It would make more sense to test the eyesight of everyone, especially those over 70....my 99 year old mum used to drive until they discovered she'd always had tunnel vision!
 
pappajohn said:
Personally, as a pedestrian I can't see the difference between being hit by a 3500kg van being driven at 50mph by an unconscious 70 year old driver or a 7500kg van being driven at 50mph by an unconscious 70 year old driver.
Either one is going to make a hell of a mess and probably kill you.
Just because DVLA declare you unfit to drive 3500kg+ doesn't mean you're not going to crash a sub 3500kg with similar results.
There should be a compulsory medical for ALL drivers at 70.... And I would probably fail.
Click to expand...
Our driving regulations are ridiculous. Over 70 to renew your car licence you only need to declare that your eyesight is ok. I know people that still drive that can’t even see to walk. I passed my motorbike test 55 years ago on a Lambretta. I haven’t ridden a m/ bike since but I could go out and buy a 180 mph super bike and ride it away, but I have to take a medical and ECG stress test just to drive my 3880 kg M/H.
Spongy
 
7735 said:
Having applied for the renewal of my licence, keeping the C1 entitlement the DVLA are insisting that I take an ECG exercise test. I assume it entails a treadmill test. Anybody know how strenuous it is and what you need to do to achieve a pass. My licence runs out in October, I know I can continue to drive until I’m told not to, but if I fail I will be left with a motorhome on my drive that I will be unable to move. Is there any room for appeal,
Spongy
Click to expand...
I’ve just done 3 sessions at local Gym stage 1 1.7mph at 10% incline fairly easy
Stage 2 2.4mph at 12% incline makes you sweat
Stage 3 is ok for 1st 30 secs but after start struggling after 1 min then just count your paces 200 ie 100 per minute and feel heart really pumping hopefully they don’t go longer , have to do test tomorrow

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