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Cardiac Stress

Patient in action of completing a stress test with the help of a technologist.

A Cardiac Stress Test can be used to test for heart disease.

The cardiac stress test, also called an exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or stress ECG — is a test used to provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored.

CARDIAC STRESS TESTS ARE USED TO:

  • Determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity.
  • Evaluate the effectiveness of your heart medications to control angina and ischemia.
  • Determine the likelihood of having coronary heart disease and the need for further evaluation.
  • Check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve blood flow within the heart vessels in people with coronary heart disease.
  • Identify abnormal heart rhythms.
  • Help you develop a safe exercise program.

courtesy of WebMd.com