Cardiac Stress Tests

A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen, so the heart must pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. It also helps doctors know the kind and level of exercise appropriate for a patient.

A person taking the test:

• Is hooked up to equipment to monitor the heart.
• Walks slowly in place on a treadmill. Then the speed is increased for a faster pace and the treadmill is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill.
• Can stop the test at any time if needed.
• Afterwards, will sit or lie down to have their heart and blood pressure checked.