Cardiac Stress Test - ECG 

A Cardiac Stress Test ECG may also be referred to as an Exercise ECG, Stress Test, or Treadmill Test.  A Cardiac Stress Test ECG is used to evaluate how your heart works during exercise.  The test is used to assess general heart health.  It may detect coronary artery disease, irregular heartbeats, or poor physical fitness.  The test may be used for people with chest pain, abnormal heart rhythms, or those that are beginning an exercise program. 
 
Test Procedure
 
You should not eat, drink caffeine or alcohol, or smoke for three hours before your test.  You should tell your doctor if you have taken Viagra within the prior 24 hours.  You should wear loose fitting clothes to your procedure.  Before the test starts, your baseline heart rate and blood pressure will be recorded.  Several small patches (electrodes) will be applied to your skin at different locations on your body.  A blood pressure cuff will remain on your arm throughout the procedure.

 

With the equipment in place, you will exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.  Your pace and resistance on the equipment will gradually increase.  Your blood pressure will be recorded throughout the test.  The ECG will continually record the electrical activity of your heart during the exercise. 

 

If a person cannot run on a treadmill due to physical limitations, a chemical can be injected to safely raise the heart rate and complete the test.  Stress tests are generally safe, however, if a person experiences difficulty, prompt attention is provided by nearby medical professionals and equipment. Your doctor will review the test results with you.