A stress test enables a physician to learn how well your heart works during exercise. This may also be called an exercise test or a treadmill test. Physicians use exercise stress tests to determine a safe level of exercise or diagnose heart-related problems. The test can help a physician diagnose coronary artery disease, determine the cause of chest pain, light-headedness or dizziness.
During the test, the patient is hooked up to heart-monitoring equipment and walks on a treadmill. The speed and incline is gradually increased. While taking the test, the patient’s heart rate, blood pressure and heart rhythm are carefully monitored.(1)
More helpful information can be found in this publication from the American Heart Association, “What Is a Stress Test?” and in our article: “What Is A Stress Test And How Do You Know If You Need One?”
Sources: