At Upperhill Cardiovascular Center, our Stress testing services, commonly referred to as exercise testing, is a vital diagnostic procedure used to evaluate how the heart responds to physical exertion. During the test, patients are typically asked to walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while gradually increasing the intensity of the exercise. Electrodes are placed on the patient’s chest to continuously monitor the heart’s electrical activity through an electrocardiogram (ECG), alongside regular measurements of heart rate and blood pressure. This real-time assessment helps healthcare providers identify any abnormalities, such as arrhythmias or signs of insufficient blood flow to the heart, which may not be apparent when the patient is at rest. Stress testing is particularly useful for diagnosing coronary artery disease and assessing the effectiveness of cardiac treatments.
The procedure begins with a baseline evaluation, including an initial ECG and vital sign readings. As the test progresses, patients are encouraged to exercise until they reach their target heart rate, experience significant fatigue, or exhibit symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath. After the exercise phase, recovery monitoring continues to ensure that the heart returns to its normal state. Results from the stress test are analyzed by a cardiologist, who interprets the data to guide treatment decisions and further evaluations if necessary. Overall, stress testing plays a crucial role in cardiology by providing comprehensive insights into cardiovascular health and functional capacity.