Cardiac Stress Testing

Our Doctors administer cardiac stress tests to see how a patient’s heart performs during physical exercise. A cardiac stress test detects whether your heart is getting enough blood.

Patients with risk factors or symptoms of coronary artery disease, such as unexplained fatigue or shortness of breath, may receive a cardiac stress test. We may also test patients with borderline high blood pressure to evaluate their blood pressure.

How the Cardiac Stress Test Is Performed 

Patients usually perform a cardiac stress test on a treadmill or stationary bike. A cardiac stress technician will place electrodes (small patches) on your chest. These electrodes are attached to an electrocardiogram (EKG) monitor that charts your heart’s electrical activity.

First, the technician will measure your heart rate while resting, and then increase your rate of exercise to provide a comparison. You will continue exercising until you reach your target or until you start to experience chest pain, shortness of breath and/or dizziness. You can stop the test or ask the technician questions at any time.

Your doctor will examine your results and make a diagnosis.