A stress test, also known as a treadmill test, evaluates how your heart functions during physical activity. This diagnostic procedure helps detect coronary artery disease, assess exercise capacity, and evaluate heart rhythm during exertion.
Evaluating heart function during exercise
A stress test monitors your heart's response to physical exertion by walking on a treadmill while connected to ECG electrodes. The test gradually increases in intensity to evaluate how your heart handles increased workload. This test helps:
Identify reduced blood flow to the heart muscle during exercise
Evaluate your heart's ability to handle physical stress and exertion
Detect abnormal heart rhythms that occur during physical activity