An exercise stress test shows how well your heart handles exercise. This can take various forms including stress ECG and stress echocardiograms.
Your doctor may recommend a stress test to:
- Identify the cause of chest pain – as well as shortness of breath, dizziness and light-headedness
- Diagnose possible coronary artery disease – if you’re showing signs and symptoms
- Check the effectiveness of certain procedures – such as coronary angioplasty and stenting or cardiac bypass surgery
- Help create a safe exercise plan – if you have heart disease risk factors
- Identify any heart rhythm changes – usually experienced during exercise
- Determine your risk of heart disease – or other heart-related conditions
What are the risks of having an exercise stress test?
An exercise stress test is non-invasive and very safe. You’ll be accompanied by a nurse who will monitor your health and check for any concerns.