Exercise Stress Tests

Exercise stress testing is a non-invasive method to evaluate your heart’s function and pattern of heart rate during activity. It is indicated to check your heart’s tolerance to activity, assess the effectiveness of cardiac treatment and determine your chances of developing coronary artery disease (CAD). Exercise stress testing utilizes electrocardiograms (performed with leads placed on the chest) while exercising on a treadmill

Your doctor first fixes electrodes attached to a monitor on your chest, which shows your hearts electrical activity (electrocardiogram). You will be asked to exercise on a treadmill until you your heart is beating at a set target rate and increasing your exercise effort. Your heart rate will be measured throughout this procedure, and the electrocardiogram is monitored for changes which may indicate an issue with the heart.

The risks involved in this procedure are very low; however, very rarely, the procedure may be associated with irregular heartbeat, fainting, chest pain or heart attack. Your doctor will monitor you continuously throughout the procedure.