Electrocardiogram (EKG) Stress Test
An electrocardiogram stress test, known as an exercise stress test is a measurement of the electrical activity of the heart. The physician places electrodes on the chest, arms, or legs, and the patient runs on a treadmill or pedals a bike. The oxygen demand on the heart increases as the heart rate and blood pressure rise.
During the test, a graphic representation, or tracing, of the electrical activity is recorded. Changes in this tracing compared to the normal tracing can help to diagnose or rule out heart-related conditions.
