Stress Test

An exercise stress test is used to determine how well your heart responds during times when it’s working its hardest.

During the test, you’ll be asked to exercise — typically on a treadmill — while you’re hooked up to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This allows your doctor to monitor your heart rate.

The exercise stress test is also referred to as an exercise test or treadmill test.

An exercise stress test is used to determine how well your heart responds during times when it’s working its hardest. During the test, you’ll be asked to exercise typically on a treadmill while you’re hooked up to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine. This allows your doctor to monitor your heart rate. The exercise stress test is also referred to as an exercise test or treadmill test.

Stress tests are generally considered safe, especially since they’re done in a controlled environment under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

However, there are some rare risks, such as:

•       chest pain
•       collapsing
•       fainting
•       heart attack
•       irregular heartbeat

However, your risk of experiencing these reactions during the test is low

Before you begin exercising, you’ll be hooked up to the EKG machine. Several sticky pads will be attached to your skin under your clothes. Your doctor or nurse will check your heart rate and breathing before you begin exercising. Your doctor may also have you breathe into a tube to test the strength of your lungs. You’ll start off by walking slowly on a treadmill. The speed and grade of the treadmill will be increased as the test continues. If you experience any difficulties especially, chest pains, weakness, or fatigue you may ask to stop the test.

An exercise stress test is primarily used to help your doctor determine if your heart receives enough oxygen and proper blood flow when it needs it most, such as when you are exercising. It can be ordered for people who have been experiencing chest pains or other symptoms of coronary heart disease (also called coronary artery disease). An exercise stress test may also be used to help determine your level of health. This allows your doctor to learn what level of exercise you can safely handle. If you are a smoker over 40 years old, or if you have other risk factors for heart disease, you should talk to your doctor to see if an exercise stress test is a good idea for you.

Stress tests are generally considered safe, especially since they’re done in a controlled environment under the supervision of a trained medical professional.

However, there are some rare risks, such as:

• chest pain
• collapsing
• fainting
• heart attack
• irregular heartbeat

Do the test, If your blood pressure rises during the test, your attending nurse may continue to monitor your blood pressure. A few days after the test, your doctor will review the results with you. The test could reveal irregular heart rhythms or other symptoms that indicate coronary artery disease, such as blocked arteries. If your doctor determines you may have coronary artery disease or other heart problems, they may begin treatments or order more tests, such as a nuclear stress test.