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Exercise Stress Test

An exercise stress test is a diagnostic test in which a person walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bicycle while hooked up to equipment that monitors the heart.

The test monitors heart rate, breathing, blood pressure, electrical activity (using an electrocardiogram), and the person’s level of tiredness. Monitoring is started while at rest. Exercise is then started and the level of difficulty is increased gradually.

This test shows if the heart’s blood supply is sufficient and if the heart rhythm is normal. This test is also known as treadmill test, exercise test, and exercise cardiac stress test or ECST.

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Visit Heart Rhythm Society for more information.