Exercise Stress Test
Alternate Names : ECG - Exercise Treadmill, EKG - Exercise Treadmill, Exercise ECG, Exercise Electrocardiography, Stress ECG, Stress Test - Exercise Treadmill
Definition
An exercise stress test is a general screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart. The test gives a general sense of how healthy your heart is.
During the test, the electrical activity of the heart is measured while you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. This measures the heart's reaction to your body's increased demand for oxygen. (See also sestimibi and thallium stress tests.)
Why is the Test Performed?
A stress test is performed to determine causes of chest pain, to determine the exercise capacity of the heart , to determine appropriate exercise levels in those initiating an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise. There may be additional reasons for your health care provider to request this test.
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