What is Exercise Stress Test?

Exercise Stress Test (also called stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, stress ECG)

Definition:
A test used to provide information about how the heart responds to stress. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while the electrocardiogram, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.

Your doctor uses the stress test to:

•determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity

•evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan

•determine the likelihood of having coronary artery disease and the need for future testing

To prepare:

•Do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test.

•Ask your doctor what medications should be taken on the day of your test. If you use an inhaler for breathing, bring it to the test. If you are diabetic, ask your physician...

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