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Stress test
Definition:
A recording of the electrical activity of the heart during physical stress to test the heart's reaction to increased demand for oxygen.
Alternative Names:
Exercise treadmill ECG; ECG - exercise treadmill test; EKG - exercise treadmill test; Stress EKG; Exercise electrocardiography
How the test is performed:

A recording of the activity of the heart (ECG) and blood pressure readings are taken while you walk on an exercise treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. The response of the heart to an increased workload is monitored.

The test continues until you reach a target heart rate, unless complications such as chest pain or exaggerated rise in blood pressure develop with activity. Monitoring continues after exercise for 10 to 15 minutes or until the heart rate returns to baseline.
How to prepare for the test:
Do not eat, smoke, or drink caffeine or alcohol-containing beverages for 3 hours before the test. Continue all medications unless instructed otherwise. Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing to permit exercise.
How the test will feel:
Electrodes (conductive patches) will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs to record the heart's activity. Baseline measurements of heart rate and blood pressure will be taken before exercise starts. You will start walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. The pace of the treadmill will be increased. Rarely, people may experience chest discomfort, palpitations, dizziness, or shortness of breath during the test.
Why the test is performed:
The test is performed to determine causes of chest pain, to determine the capacity of the heart for exercise after cardiac surgery or heart attack, to determine appropriate exercise levels in those initiating an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise. There may be additional indications for this test.
Normal Values:
Heart rate increases normally in proportion to the workload and attains endurance levels appropriate for age and conditioning level.
What abnormal results mean:
Abnormal results may indicate arrhythmias during exercise, stress on the heart provoked by exercise, possible coronary artery disease, or lack of aerobic fitness.
What the risks are:
Risks associated with this test are collapse, arrhythmias, and heart attack.
Special considerations:
The specificity of this test is controversial, according to some health care providers.
Review Date: 3/1/2001
Reviewed By: Elena Sgarbossa, M.D. Cardiology Department, Rush-Presbyterian St. Luke’s Medical Ctr., Chicago, IL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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