Exercise Stress Test

An exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for changes in your heart while you exercise. Sometimes your doctor can only see heart problems during exercise or while you have symptoms.

This test is sometimes called an exercise EKG, stress test, or treadmill test.

You may need this test to check your heart’s electrical activity. It can help find out if a heart problem is causing chest pain or find the cause of symptoms that happen during activity, such as dizziness or fainting. It can also help your doctor decide on the best treatment for certain heart problems.

How do you prepare for the test?

Do not smoke or eat a heavy meal before this test.

Wear flat, comfortable shoes (no bedroom slippers) and loose, lightweight shorts or sweatpants. Walking or running shoes are best.

Tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems during your test. Your doctor will tell you if you should stop taking any of them before the test and how soon to do it.

How is the test done?

You most likely will either walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle.

You will have a blood pressure cuff on your upper arm. Small pads or patches (electrodes) will be placed, like stickers, on your skin on each arm and leg and on your chest. Your doctor may wrap your chest with an elastic band to keep the electrodes from falling off.

On the treadmill, you will start out slowly in a level or slightly inclined position. After certain periods of time, the speed and steepness of the treadmill will be increased so that you will be walking faster and at a greater incline.

On the stationary bicycle, you will pedal fast enough to keep a certain speed. After certain periods of time, the resistance will be increased, making it harder to pedal.

In both tests:

Your EKG, heart rate, and blood pressure are recorded.