Cardiac Stress Test

A cardiac stress test shows how well your heart works when it’s under stress, such as during exercise. It helps your provider see how your heart responds when it has to work harder.

During the test, your heart is monitored while you walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike. If you’re unable to exercise, medication may be used to safely simulate the effects of exercise on your heart. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and heart rhythm are closely watched throughout the test.

A cardiac stress test may be ordered to:

  • Check for blocked or narrowed heart arteries
  • Evaluate chest pain or shortness of breath
  • Assess exercise tolerance
  • Monitor known heart disease
  • Help guide treatment or next steps
  • Small sticky patches (electrodes) are placed on your chest
  • You begin exercising slowly, with the intensity increasing gradually
  • Your heart rhythm, heart rate, and blood pressure are monitored
  • The test stops when a target heart rate is reached or if you feel symptoms

If medication is used, it is given through an IV and mimics how exercise affects your heart.

No. You may feel tired, short of breath, or sweaty, similar to exercise, but the test is carefully supervised to keep you safe.

Most stress tests take about 45–60 minutes, including preparation and recovery time.

Your HVLC provider will review the results and explain what they mean for your heart health, including whether additional testing or treatment is needed.

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