A cardiac stress test is a diagnostic procedure that monitors how the heart responds to increased demand for blood and oxygen, often through exercise or medication. The test uses an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure the heart’s electrical activity. You can generally wear a bra during this procedure, but the type of bra is an important consideration. The primary concern is ensuring the monitoring equipment can function without interference and maintain secure contact with the skin throughout the test.
How Electrode Placement Influences Attire
The technical requirements of the stress test dictate clothing and undergarment choices to ensure an accurate reading. The test relies on placing multiple electrodes (small sticky patches) directly onto the skin of the chest wall, shoulders, and sometimes the torso. These electrodes capture the heart’s electrical signals, forming the EKG tracing the cardiologist interprets. For the EKG to be clear, the electrodes must maintain firm, unobstructed contact with the skin, especially during the physical movement of the test.
Technicians often place electrodes along the sternum, on the ribs, and beneath the breast tissue. Bulky fabric or restrictive clothing prevents proper skin preparation, which involves cleansing to improve adhesion. Improper contact due to clothing or a bra can lead to “artifact”—confusing electrical signals that make the heart tracing difficult to read accurately. Secure lead attachment is paramount, as a dislodged electrode during peak exercise can compromise the diagnostic value of the test.
Acceptable and Unacceptable Bra Types
Choosing a bra revolves around the potential for material to interfere with the EKG signal or obstruct the technician’s access to the skin. Underwire bras are consistently unacceptable for a stress test. The metal components of the underwire can interfere with the sensitive electrical monitoring equipment, potentially creating artifact on the EKG tracing. Furthermore, the rigid structure of an underwire can block the precise placement area required for chest electrodes.
The best options are soft-cup bras, non-wired sports bras, or simple cotton bralettes. These garments offer support without metallic components or thick padding that can interfere with the EKG signal. A wireless sports bra, especially one that opens in the front or a simple tube bra, is ideal because it allows easy access to the chest area for electrode placement. If a bra must be removed for proper lead placement, the facility will provide a hospital gown or sheet to ensure patient modesty and comfort.
General Clothing Recommendations for the Test
The overall goal for clothing is to maximize comfort, mobility, and accessibility for the medical staff. Patients should choose comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece clothing for the test. Separates, such as shorts, sweatpants, or loose trousers paired with a t-shirt, are better than a dress or jumpsuit. This two-piece arrangement simplifies placing electrodes on the chest and torso while allowing the patient to remain partially dressed.
Appropriate, secure footwear is mandatory since the test often involves walking or jogging on a treadmill. Sneakers or athletic shoes with good traction are required to ensure safety and stability during the exercise portion. Patients should also avoid applying body lotions, powders, or oils to the chest area on the day of the test. These substances create a barrier that prevents the electrode adhesive from sticking firmly, increasing the risk of signal artifact.