The stress test, also known as the exercise test, is an effective diagnostic tool used by doctors to monitor your heart and determine how well your heart handles physical stress, such as running on a treadmill.
Your doctor may order this test for you to check for any cardiovascular diseases, such as heart disease, or to determine what is causing your complaints of chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or even to determine your exercise capacity if you are a sedentary adult who wants to begin an exercise program.
During the test, you will be asked to run or walk on a treadmill, and a machine called the electrocardiogram (ECG) will be used to measure the way your heart beats. The ECG will also be able to detect if there are any irregular patterns that may indicate any heart conditions.
To get meaningful results, follow the instructions your doctor gives you. If you have a negative stress test result, it means that your heart function is normal. If you get a positive stress test result, in most cases, it indicates there is some blockage or damage to your arteries or blood vessels. It is important to speak to your doctor about your results.