Stress test

A stress test shows how the heart works during physical activity. It also may be called a stress exercise test. Exercise makes the heart pump harder and faster. A stress test can show problems with blood flow within the heart. A stress test usually involves walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike. A health care provider watches your heart rhythm, blood pressure and breathing during the test. People who can't exercise may be given a medicine that creates the effects of exercise.

A health care provider may recommend a stress test to: Diagnose coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary artery disease develops when these arteries get damaged or diseased. Cholesterol deposits in the heart arteries and inflammation usually cause coronary artery disease. Diagnose heart rhythm problems. A heart rhythm problem is called an arrhythmia. An arrhythmia can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slowly. Guide treatment of heart disorders. If you've already been diagnosed with a heart condition, an exercise stress test can help your provider know if your treatment is working. The test results also help your provider decide on the best treatment for you. Check the heart before surgery. A stress test can help show if surgery, such as a valve replacement or a heart transplant, might be a safe treatment. If an exercise stress test doesn't show the cause of symptoms, your provider may recommend a stress test with imaging. Such tests include a nuclear stress test or stress test with an echocardiogram.

A stress test is generally safe. Complications are rare. Possible complications of an exercise stress test are: Low blood pressure. Blood pressure may drop during or right after exercise. The drop might cause dizziness or fainting. The problem will likely go away after the exercise stops. Irregular heart rhythms, called arrhythmias. Arrhythmias that occur during an exercise stress test usually go away soon after the exercise stops. Heart attack, also called myocardial infarction. Although very rare, it's possible that an exercise stress test could cause a heart attack.

Your health care provider can tell you how to prepare for your stress test.

A stress test usually takes about an hour, including the prep time and the time it takes to do the actual test. The exercise part takes only around 15 minutes. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bicycle. If you can't exercise, you'll receive medicine through an IV . The medicine creates the effect of exercise on the heart.