What is the purpose of an exercise stress test?
The purpose of an exercise stress test may be to: • Diagnose blockages in heart arteries • Determine limitations to exercise for rehabilitation or exercise programs • Determine whether exercise induces a heart rhythm problem • Determine whether blood oxygen level drops during exercise What happens during an exercise stress test? • Your heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) will be monitored during the test. • You will begin by walking at a slow pace on the treadmill. The speed of the treadmill will be gradually increased and the incline will be increased to make it feel as though you are going up a hill. • You may stop the test at any time you feel uncomfortable. Will I feel any pain or discomfort during the test? • There’s very little risk for healthy patients in taking the test – no more than if you were to walk fast or walk up stairs. • A blockage in a heart artery could cause chest pain or shortness of breath. How long does the test take? Preparation, p
