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Coronary stress test
An ECG test under controlled physical exertion — it shows how the heart works under strain, when symptoms usually appear.
Some heart problems are invisible at rest and only appear under exertion. The stress test records the ECG, blood pressure, and symptoms while the workload is gradually increased on a treadmill or stationary bike.
The test helps assess whether narrowed coronary arteries are limiting blood supply to the heart muscle, how the rhythm behaves under strain, what your physical capacity is, and whether your treatment is well adjusted. It is used for chest pain, shortness of breath on exertion, and for follow-up of known heart disease.
The workload increases in stages. You are monitored throughout, and the test is stopped as soon as the target is reached or if symptoms appear. It is therefore important to report any symptom the moment you feel it.
The test helps assess whether narrowed coronary arteries are limiting blood supply to the heart muscle, how the rhythm behaves under strain, what your physical capacity is, and whether your treatment is well adjusted. It is used for chest pain, shortness of breath on exertion, and for follow-up of known heart disease.
The workload increases in stages. You are monitored throughout, and the test is stopped as soon as the target is reached or if symptoms appear. It is therefore important to report any symptom the moment you feel it.
Preparation
Bring sports shoes and comfortable clothing. Avoid a heavy meal 2–3 hours beforehand, and avoid coffee and smoking before the test. Take your medication as usual unless your doctor tells you otherwise — some heart medicines are paused before the test, so always report what you are taking.