A stress test or an exercise test is used to gather information about how well your heart works when it is exerted.
A stress test may be ordered to aid in diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (damaged or diseased arteries), or Heart Arrhythmia (irregular electrical impulses of the heart).
A stress test may also be used to help guide the doctor on the path to treating previously diagnosed heart disorders.
During a stress test you will have electrodes attached to your chest, leg and arm. Tour heart is monitored through an ECG/EKG, and your blood pressure is monitored through a cuff that you wear on your arm.
The test begins by slowly walking on a treadmill or riding a stationery bike. Resistance will increase as the test progresses to raise your heart rate. Tests vary, but ordinarily the desire is to raise your heart rate for approximately 12 minutes in order to thoroughly examine its performance.
8 common diagnostic tests for the Heart
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