Standard ECG test

What is a stress test or standard ECG test?

Exercise stress testing is a procedure used to assess a person's heart function and exercise capacity.

Stress testing can help identify blockages in the coronary arteries by assessing how the heart responds to physical stress. It also provides information about the risk of future cardiac events such as heart attack. It is also used to assess the effectiveness of treatments for heart disease and to establish a cardiac rehabilitation plan.

This test is essential for diagnosing and monitoring various heart conditions, including arrhythmias, coronary artery disease (angina pectoris, myocardial infarction) and other heart rhythm problems. At CorePrime, we offer high-quality standard ECG tests to ensure an accurate assessment of heart health.

When is an exercise test recommended?

The standard ECG exercise stress test is recommended in the following situations:

• if the patient has symptoms of heart problems: chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, dizziness or unexplained tiredness;
• for monitoring cardiac treatments: assessing the effectiveness of treatments for pre-existing heart conditions.
• as part of preventive screening: heart health assessment as part of routine check-ups, especially for people with cardiovascular risk factors such as hypertension, high cholesterol or diabetes.

How does the standard ECG test work?

The patient is asked to wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes. Initially, the doctor places electrodes on the patient's chest to monitor the electrical activity of the heart (electrocardiogram - ECG). The patient may also be connected to a blood pressure monitor to measure blood pressure during the test.

The patient starts walking on a treadmill and the speed and incline are gradually increased at regular intervals to intensify the physical effort. The patient is constantly monitored for any changes in heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms (e.g. chest pain, dizziness, extreme fatigue).

Stress testing continues until the patient reaches a certain level of exertion (determined by age and physical condition), develops symptoms that require stopping the test, or significant changes occur on the ECG. After completion of the test, the patient is monitored during the recovery period to see how the heart returns to normal resting rhythm.

Stress test (standard ECG): FAQs

How do I prepare for an exercise test?

To prepare for a stress test, follow these recommendations:

• wear comfortable clothes and sports shoes suitable for exercise;
• do not eat 2-3 hours before the test to avoid digestive discomfort during exercise;
• tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking. Your doctor may advise you to stop certain medicines temporarily before the test;
• do not drink coffee, tea, energy drinks or other substances that can affect your heart rate before the test.

How to interpret the results of an exercise test?

The results of an exercise test can provide valuable information about your heart health and exercise capacity.

If the heart is functioning well and shows no signs of ischemia (reduced blood flow), the stress test is considered normal. This suggests that the coronary arteries are probably healthy.

If changes on the ECG, chest pain or other symptoms occur during the test, they may indicate coronary artery disease or other heart problems. In such cases, your doctor may recommend further tests, such as a coronary angiogram.

The test can also show how well the heart works under physical stress and can help determine how much exercise is safe for the patient.

The doctor will discuss the results in detail and recommend next steps based on them.