Exercise Stress Test (EST)

Overview of Exercise Stress Test (EST)

An exercise stress test (EST), also known as a treadmill test or exercise electrocardiogram, evaluates how well the heart functions during physical exertion. By monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, and electrical activity through an electrocardiogram (ECG), the test helps identify potential heart problems.

Procedure

1. Preparation: Patients are typically asked to wear comfortable clothing and avoid caffeine or heavy meals before the test.
2. Setup: Adhesive electrodes are placed on the chest to monitor heart activity.
3. Exercise: Patients walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike, with the intensity gradually increasing. The test usually lasts 6 to 12 minutes.
4. Monitoring: Heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG readings are continuously monitored throughout the test.

Indications

An EST is recommended for:

• Diagnosing coronary artery disease.
• Evaluating symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath.
• Assessing exercise capacity and determining safe levels of physical activity.
• Monitoring treatment effectiveness in patients with known heart conditions.

Benefits

• Helps detect issues related to blood flow and heart rhythm.
• Provides critical information for treatment planning and risk assessment for cardiovascular diseases.

Conclusion

The exercise stress test is a valuable diagnostic tool in cardiology, enabling healthcare providers to assess heart function under stress and identify potential cardiovascular issues.

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References

Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Stress test – Overview. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/stress-test/about/pac-20385234

American Heart Association. (n.d.). Exercise Stress Test. Retrieved from https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/heart-attack/diagnosing-a-heart-attack/exercise-stress-test

Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Exercise Stress Test. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/exercise-stress-test