What is an Exercise Stress Test (stress ECG)?

Why do I need a stress test?

A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps your doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more fuel and your heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if there's a lack of blood supply through the arteries that go to the heart.

Taking a stress test can also help your doctor know the kind and level of exercise that is right for you.  

What happens during the test?

During the test you are hooked up to equipment to monitor your heart. You will walk on the treadmill, t he treadmill will speed up to make you walk faster and also tilt so you feel you are going uphill. You can stop the test at any time if you need to. After the test you will sit or lie down and you heart and blood pressure will be checked.

What is monitored during the test?

During the test your heart rate, your breathing, your blood pressure, your electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) and how tired you feel will be monitored.

What equipment is used?

The electrocardiogram or ECG machine will record your heartbeat. Tiny wires or electrodes will be hooked up to your chest and arms or shoulders. Near the end of the test you may breathe into a mouthpiece that will measure the air you breathe out.

Is there a risk?

There is very little risk, no more that if you walked fast or jogged up a hill. Medical professionals are on hand in case anything unusual happens during the test.

Disclaimer
Reviewed by Alberta clinical experts. Brought to you by HealthLink Alberta. Copyright.
This material is designed for information purposes only. It should not be used in place of medical advice, instruction and/or treatment. For more health advice call Capital Health Link at 780-408-LINK (5465) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. In Alberta, call Toll-free: 1-866-408-LINK (5465)