Exercise Stress Test - Cardiovascular Associates of Maryland
What is an exercise stress test?
Physicians use exercise stress tests to evaluate how a patient’s heart
functions with increased stress on the heart during exercise. The test
is performed with the patient walking on a treadmill to exercise the
heart. The patient’s heart rate is monitored by electrocardiogram and
can indicate if there is reduced blood flow in the arteries that supply
blood to the heart due to a blockage.
Exercise stress tests are used to diagnose coronary artery disease,
heart-related symptoms like chest pain and shortness of breath, and to
predict risk of heart attack.
How is the exercise stress test performed?
Patients are asked to refrain from caffeine intake several hours prior
to the test. A technician will test the patient’s heart rate and blood
pressure before the test. Electrocardiogram (EKG) leads will be
attached to the chest to monitor heart rate, and status during the
stress test.
With EKG leads attached to the chest, the patient will begin walking on
the treadmill to exercise the heart. The speed and incline of the
treadmill will be increased every three minutes until the patient says
to stop. The patient’s heart rate will be monitored by EKG throughout
the test. The test lasts a variable period of time depending on you
level of conditioning and can be stopped at any time if the patient is
experiencing:
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
The
patient’s blood pressure and pulse are monitored constantly throughout
the test. The doctor can review your test before you leave to either reassure you or suggest if further evaluation may be necessary.