Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
An exercise stress test is a screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart.
See also:
Stress echocardiography Thallium stress test
Alternative Names
Exercise ECG; ECG - exercise treadmill; EKG - exercise treadmill; Stress ECG; Exercise electrocardiography; Stress test - exercise treadmill
How the test is performed
You will walk on a treadmill or pedal on an exercise bicycle while the electrical activity of your heart is measured with an electrocardiogram (
The test continues until:
- You reach a target
heart rate - You develop complications such as
chest pain or an exaggerated rise or drop in blood pressure - ECG changes show that your heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen
You will continue to be monitored for 10 - 15 minutes after exercising, or until your heart rate returns to baseline.
How to prepare for the test
Review Date: 06/21/2010
Reviewed By: Michael A. Chen, MD, PhD, Assistant Professor of Medicine, Division
of Cardiology, Harborview Medical Center, University of Washington
Medical School, Seattle, Washington. Also reviewed by David Zieve,
MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)

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