Cardiac Stress Test

The recording of the heart's electrical activity while it is under the stress of increased physical demand. This is also known as an exercise tolerance test.

Parts of the Body Involved

  • Chest
  • Arms
  • Legs

Reasons for Procedure

A cardiac stress test is used to assess the heart muscles response to the need for additional oxygen, which occurs during increased physical activity. This procedure is most often performed for the following reasons:
  • To evaluate if complaints of chest pain are related to the heart
  • To determine if blockages exist in a coronary artery or arteries supplying the heart with oxygen-rich blood (coronary heart disease or CHD)
  • To identify an irregular heart rhythm that only occurs during activity
  • To monitor the hearts response to cardiac treatment or a procedure to open a coronary artery
  • To determine a safe level of participation before the start of an exercise regimen
  • To plan the pace and intensity of rehabilitation after a heart attack
  • To screen for the presence of asymptomatic CHD in certain high risk people

Risk Factors for Complications during the Procedure

Pre-existing heart condition

What to Expect

Prior to Procedure

Your doctor will likely do the following:
  • Physical exam
  • Resting electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG)

Outcome

A cardiologist will review the test results and send a report to the referring doctor.

One or more of the following may constitute a positive stress test, which may indicate CHD:
  • ECG changes characteristic of low oxygen supply to the heart muscle
  • Angina (chest pain produced by low oxygen supply to the heart muscle) or severe shortness of breath, especially if associated with characteristic ECG changes
  • Failure to adequately increase heart rate and/or blood pressure during exercise
Generally, the earlier these changes occur during the test, the more severe the CHD. Not all patients who test positive have CHD. Similarly, not all patients who test negative do not have CHD.

Call Your Doctor If Any of the Following Occurs

  • Chest pain
  • Pounding in the chest
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Excessive fatigue or shortness of breath