Who might have an exercise ECG?
The exercise ECG is usually the first noninvasive stress test given to women with risk factors or symptoms of heart disease. Because it is easy to perform, widely available, and excellent for ruling out heart problems, this test is usually used before noninvasive imaging tests such as echocardiography and nuclear stress tests. Women older than 55 and men older than 45 who don’t work out regularly but plan to start a vigorous exercise program should have an exercise ECG to determine a safe level of exercise.2 Who should not have an exercise ECG? If you are unable to perform physical activity due to older age, arthritis, or excess weight, you should not have an exercise ECG. In this situation, you will be sent for a noninvasive imaging test—probably echocardiography or a nuclear stress test—using a chemical that mimics the effects of exercise on the heart If you had an abnormal or inconclusive resting ECG, you will be sent for an imaging exercise test rather than an exercise ECG test. Th
