Stress Tests
Reviewed
Also called: exercise stress test, treadmill test, stress EKG, stress ECG, exercise tolerance test, exercise EKG
Stress tests show how well your heart works when it's pumping hard. They check blood flow in your heart, your blood pressure, the rate and rhythm of your heartbeat, and the strength of the electrical signals that control your heartbeat. Some stress tests also take pictures of your heart at rest and when it's working hard. They are most often used to find the cause of symptoms that may be from a heart problem and can help diagnose certain heart conditions.
Specimen: Not applicable
Why this test may be ordered
- To find the cause of symptoms that may be from a heart problem, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, or dizziness.
- To help diagnose certain heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, angina, arrhythmia, heart failure, heart valve diseases, and cardiomyopathy.
- To find out how serious a known heart condition is, including the chance that you'll have a heart attack in the future.
- To help make treatment decisions for a heart condition.
- To check your heart health if you have a heart condition with new or worsening symptoms, are going to have surgery, are being treated for heart disease, have a high risk for heart disease, or plan to start an exercise program.
Preparation and collection
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for exercise. You'll usually need to fast (not eat or drink) and stop smoking for at least a few hours before the test. You may need to avoid drinks with caffeine, such as coffee, tea, and colas, for a longer period of time. If you take medicines or supplements, ask your provider if you should take them as usual. Don't stop taking any medicine unless your provider tells you to. If your test uses MRI, tell your provider about any metal you have in your body.
Electrodes placed on body for EKG; blood pressure cuff on arm; IV line if unable to exercise or for nuclear/MRI stress tests; treadmill or stationary bicycle for exercise; ultrasound device for stress echocardiogram; radioactive tracer injection for nuclear stress test; dye injection for some cardiac MRI stress tests.
Stress tests are usually safe. You will be closely watched during the test. If a problem develops, you'll be treated quickly. Medicines that make your heart work harder sometimes cause symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or nausea. An IV may bruise your arm. The tracers and dyes used in nuclear and MRI stress tests may cause an allergic reaction, but this is rare. If you are or could become pregnant or are breastfeeding, talk with your provider before you have these tests.
Understanding results
Stress tests show how well your heart works when it's pumping hard. Results help diagnose heart conditions and guide treatment decisions.
- Normal test result: Normal Limitation: A normal test result means no blood flow problems were found. Your heart is working well. Next step: Routine
- Not normal test result: Possible heart disease Limitation: If your test result was not normal, it may mean you have heart disease. Ask your provider to explain what condition you may have. You may need more tests to find out how serious your condition is. Next step: Prompt
- Stress tests are usually safe, but you will be closely watched during the test. If a problem develops, you'll be treated quickly.
- Medicines that make your heart work harder sometimes cause symptoms such as chest pain, dizziness, or nausea.
- An IV may bruise your arm.
- The tracers and dyes used in nuclear and MRI stress tests may cause an allergic reaction, but this is rare.
- If you are or could become pregnant or are breastfeeding, talk with your provider before you have these tests.
What to do next
Your provider will explain what condition you may have. You may need more tests to find out how serious your condition is.
- What symptoms might indicate I need a stress test?
- What type of stress test is recommended for me and why?
- How should I prepare for the test, including any changes to my medications or diet?
- What are the possible risks or side effects of the test?
- What will the results mean for my treatment or next steps?