Stress Test

A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps physicians find out how well the heart handlesstress. As the body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen and the heart has to pump more blood. The test can show if the blood supply is reduced in the arteries that supply the heart. It also helps doctors know the kind and level of exercise appropriate for a patient.

A person taking the test


• is hooked up to the equipment to monitor the heart.
  
• walks slowly in place on a treadmill, on which the speed is increased for a faster pace
• and which is tilted to produce the effect of going up a small hill.