Stress Test

A stress test is a recording of the electrical activity of the heart during physical stress to test the heart's reaction to increased demand for oxygen. An electrocardiogram (ECG) is used to record the activity of your heart and blood pressure readings are taken while you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. The response of the heart to this increased workload is monitored. The test continues until you reach a target heart rate, unless complications such as chest pain or an exaggerated rise in blood pressure develop with activity. Monitoring continues after exercise for 10 to 15 minutes or until the heart rate returns to baseline.

A stress test is performed to determine causes of chest pain, to determine the exercise capacity of the heart , to determine appropriate exercise levels in those initiating an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise. There may be additional reasons for your health care provider to request this test. Normally, heart rate increases in proportion to the workload and attains endurance levels appropriate for age and conditioning level. Abnormal results may indicate arrhythmias during exercise, stress on the heart provoked by exercise, possible coronary artery disease ie blockage in the arteries, or lack of aerobic fitness.