Heart Disease and Stress Tests Exercise Stress Test Introduction
A stress test can be used to test for heart disease. Stress
tests are tests performed by a doctor and/or trained technician
to determine the amount of stress that your heart can manage
before developing either an abnormal rhythm or evidence of
ischemia (not enough blood flow to the heart muscle). The most
commonly performed stress test is the exercise stress test. What
Is an Exercise Stress Test? The exercise stress test -- also
called a stress test, exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill
test, graded exercise test, or stress ECG -- is a test used to
provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. It
usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary
bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while your
electrocardiogram, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored.
Why Do I Need a Stress Test? Your doctor uses the stress test
to: Get the latest health and medical information delivered
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