Exercise stress test

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An exercise stress test is a screening tool to test the effect of exercise on your heart.

See also:

• Stress echocardiography
• Thallium stress test

Exercise ECG; ECG - exercise treadmill; EKG - exercise treadmill; Stress ECG; Exercise electrocardiography; Stress test - exercise treadmill

You will walk on a treadmill or pedal on an exercise bicycle while the electrical activity of your heart is measured with an electrocardiogram (ECG), and blood pressure readings are taken. This will measure your heart's reaction to your body's increased need for oxygen.

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The test continues until:

• You reach a target heart rate
• You develop complications such as chest pain or an exaggerated rise or drop in blood pressure
• ECG changes show that your heart muscle is not getting enough oxygen

You will continue to be monitored for 10 - 15 minutes after exercising, or until your heart rate returns to baseline.

• You must not eat, smoke, or drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for 3 hours (or more) before the test.
• You should continue all medications unless instructed otherwise (several types of medications are often avoided before an exercise stress test).
• Wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing to allow you to exercise.

Tell your doctor if you are taking sildenafil citrate (Viagra) and have taken a dose within the past 24 hours. This is necessary because nitroglycerin, which is sometimes given during a stress test to relieve chest pain, should not be given to a person who has recently taken Viagra. The combination can cause a serious drop in blood pressure.

Electrodes (conductive patches) will be placed on your chest to record the heart's activity. The preparation of the electrode sites on your chest may produce a mild burning or stinging sensation.

The blood pressure cuff on your arm will be inflated every few minutes, producing a squeezing sensation that may feel tight. Baseline measurements of heart rate and blood pressure will be taken before exercise starts.