Stress Test
Stress Test by Dr. Kedar Kulkarni
An article by Dr. Kedar Kulkarni about “Stress Test”. A stress test, also known as an exercise test or treadmill test, is used by doctors to find out how well a patient’s heart works during physical activity. Because exercise makes your heart pump harder and faster, an exercise stress test can reveal problems with blood flow within your heart.
A stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike your heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing are monitored. Or you’ll receive a drug that mimics the effects of exercise.
The exercise stress test — also known as an exercise electrocardiogram, treadmill test, graded exercise test, or stress EKG is used most often.
Why take a stress test?
The doctor may recommend a stress test to find out if the patient:
- Has heart-related symptoms, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain
- Is suitable for an exercise program or cardiac rehabilitation program, and if so, how hard they should exercise
- Is responding to heart treatment
- Needs other tests to detect narrowed arteries, such as a coronary angiogram
- Has arrhythmia, an irregular heartbeat or abnormal heart rhythm.