STRESS TEST

A stress test measures how well the heart works when it is beating fast and
working hard. When the heart pumps fast, it needs more blood. A stress test
helps doctors see if the heart is getting enough blood during these times. A stress
test is sometimes called an ” Exercise test “ or a ” Treadmill Test “

During a stress test, a person’s heart rate and rhythm will be recording using an ECG. Also called an “electrocardiogram,” this monitor will be applied onto your chest, arms, and legs using sticky patches called electrodes.

For a stress test, technician will “stress” your heart and increase your heart rate by doing one of the following things: 1) Have you walk on a treadmill or 2) give you medicine to make your heart beat faster, simulating as if you were exercising.

If necessary, imaging tests may take place prior to and after your test to create images of the blood flow to the heart, allowing comparison of perfusion between cardiac rest and stress.