(Exercise ECG, Exercise EKG, Stress Test) What is an exercise
electrocardiogram? An electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is one of
the simplest and fastest procedures used to evaluate the heart.
Electrodes (small, plastic patches) are placed at certain
locations on the chest, arms, and legs. When the electrodes are
connected to an ECG machine by lead wires, the electrical
activity of the heart is measured, interpreted, and printed out
for the doctor's information and further interpretation. An
exercise ECG is performed to assess the heart's response to
stress or exercise. The ECG is monitored while a person is
exercising on a treadmill or stationary bike. While this
procedure is seldom used for young children, it may be very
useful in evaluating adolescents and young adults. An ECG
tracing will be taken at certain points during the test in order
to compare the effects of increasing stress on the heart.
Periodically, the incline and treadmill speed will be increased
in order to make exercise more difficult for the p