Exercise stress test
Definition
An exercise stress test is a screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart. It provides an overall look at the health of your heart.
See also:
Alternative Names
Exercise ECG; ECG - exercise treadmill; EKG - exercise treadmill; Stress ECG; Exercise electrocardiography; Stress test - exercise treadmill
How the Test is Performed
You will walk or pedal on an exercise machine while the electrical activity of your heart is measured with an electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood pressure readings are taken. This will measure your heart's reaction to your body's increased need for oxygen.
The test continues until you reach a target heart rate, unless complications such as chest pain or an exaggerated rise in blood pressure develop. You will continue to be monitored for 10 - 15 minutes after exercising, or until your heart rate returns to baseline.
How to Prepare for the Test
- You must not eat, smoke, or drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for 3 hours before the test.
- You should continue all medications unless instructed otherwise.
- Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing to allow exercise.
Tell your doctor if you are taking sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and have taken a dose within the past 24 hours. This is necessary because nitroglycerin, which is sometimes given during a stress test to relieve chest pain, should not be given to a person who has recently taken Viagra, since the combination can cause a serious drop in blood pressure.
How the Test Will Feel
Electrodes (conductive patches) will be placed on your chest to record the heart's activity. The preparation of the electrode sites on your chest may produce a mild burning or stinging sensation.
The blood pressure cuff on your arm will be inflated every few minutes, producing a squeezing sensation that may feel tight. Baseline measurements of heart rate and blood pressure will be taken before exercise starts.
You will start walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. The pace and incline of the treadmill will gradually be increased.
Rarely, people experience chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath during the test.
Why the Test is Performed
A stress test is performed to determine causes of chest pain, the exercise capacity of the heart, appropriate exercise levels in those beginning an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise. There may be additional reasons that your health care provider requests this test.
Normal Results
Normally, heart rate increases in proportion to the workload and attains endurance levels appropriate for age and conditioning level.
What Abnormal Results Mean
Abnormal results may indicate arrhythmias during exercise, stress on the heart provoked by exercise, possible coronary artery disease (blockage in the arteries), or lack of aerobic fitness.
Risks
Stress tests are generally safe. Some patients may have chest pain or may faint or collapse. A heart attack or dangerous irregular rhythm rarely occurs
Persons who are likely to have such complications are usually already known to have weak hearts, so they are not given this test.
Considerations
A stress test is less accurate in young or middle-aged women with symptoms that are not typical of heart disease.
Reviewed By: A.D.A.M. Editorial Team: David Zieve, MD, MHA, David R. Eltz. Previously reviwed by Steven Kang, MD, Division of Cardiac Pacing and Electrophysiology, East Bay Arrhythmia, Cardiovascular Consultants Medical Group, Oakland, CA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network (4/23/2009).
Disclaimer: The information contained in this website, and its associated websites, is provided as a benefit to the local community, and the Internet community in general; it does not constitute medical advice. We try to provide quality information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this website and its associated sites. As medical advice must be tailored to the specific circumstances of each patient and healthcare is constantly changing, nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of a competent physician. Furthermore, in providing this service, Adventist HealthCare does not condone or support all of the content covered in this site. As an Adventist health care organization, Adventist HealthCare acts in accordance with the ethical and religious directives for Adventist health care services.
Adventist HealthCare · 301-315-3030 · 1801 Research BLVD, Suite 400, Rockville, MD 20850
Get Care
Health & Wellness
Patient Information
Website Information
Ways of Giving
