ST segment depression suggesting “ischemia” or lack of oxygen getting to the heart.
An exercise stress test helps to determine the presence or absence of coronary artery disease.
If you have been diagnosed with coronary artery disease, you may have an exercise stress test to help determine the severity of the disease or what exercise you can do safely.
- During this test, you walk on a treadmill or cycle on a stationary bike while your heart is monitored by an electrocardiogram (ECG).
- During each stage of the test, the intensity of the exercise increases. For example, you may walk faster on a steeper incline of the treadmill.
- The test is stopped when you can no longer continue to increase the intensity of your exercise either because you are too tired or it is unsafe to continue.
Your cardiovascular prevention and rehabilitation team will use this information to determine a safe level of exercise for you.
Learn what happens during an electrocardiogram (ECG) »
