STRESS ELECTROCARDIOGRAM (ECG)

A stress test shows how the heart works during physical activity. It also may be called a stress exercise test. When undergoing a stress test at Executive Heart Centre, you walk on a treadmill that makes your heart work progressively harder. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors your heart's electrical rhythms.

The Cardiologist also measures your blood pressure and monitors whether you have symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue. Abnormalities in blood pressure, heart rate, ECG or worsening physical symptoms could point to coronary artery disease (CAD): fatty deposits (plaques) that reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

A Stress ECG test may be request by your Doctor to: Diagnose coronary artery disease. The coronary arteries are the major blood vessels that bring blood and oxygen to the heart. Coronary artery disease develops when these arteries get damaged or diseased. Cholesterol deposits in the heart arteries and inflammation usually cause coronary artery disease.

Diagnose heart rhythm problems. A heart rhythm problem is called an arrhythmia. An arrhythmia can cause the heart to beat too fast or too slowly. Guide treatment of heart disorders. If you've already been diagnosed with a heart condition, an exercise stress test can help your provider know if your treatment is working. The test results also help your provider decide on the best treatment for you. Check the heart before surgery. A stress test can help show if surgery, such as a valve replacement or a heart transplant, might be a safe treatment.