Alternative Names stress ECG , exercise electrocardiography , ECG - exercise treadmill test, ECG - exercise treadmill test , stress test
Definition This test measures the heart's electrical activity during exercise. The purpose of the test is to see the heart's reaction to an increased need for oxygen.
Who is a candidate for the test? This test is ordered for persons with coronary artery disease or other heart conditions.
How is the test performed? The doctor places 12 electrodes at specific sites on the person's chest and on both arms. Before attaching them with an adhesive, the doctor cleans, and may shave, the sites. Then, the person exercises while a machine records the electrical activity of the heart. The person may either pedal on a stationary exercise bike or walk on a treadmill. Exercise continues until the target heart rate is reached. At that point, the doctor takes readings for 10 to 15 minutes as the heart returns to its normal baseline rate.
What is involved in preparation for the test? Individuals should consult their doctors about preparation for this test.
What do the test results mean? Normally, the heart rate goes up as workload goes up. In a normal reading, the ECG tracings correspond to those established as normal for a person of that age and level of physical conditioning.
Abnormal results may indicate coronary artery disease, or the findings could mean that exercise causes the person to develop cardiac stress or an arrhythmia, which is an abnormal heartbeat.
Author: David T. Moran, MD Reviewer: HealthAnswers Australia Medical Review Panel Editor: Dr David Taylor, Chief Medical Officer HealthAnswers Australia Last Updated: 1/10/2001 Contributors Potential conflict of interest information for reviewers available on request
