Cardiac Stress Tests

Several types of cardiac stress tests are used to record the electrical activity of the heart before, during and after exercise to detect heart problems that may not be seen at rest. In addition to those listed below, two other tests - exercise echocardiogram and dobutamine stress echo - may be used for stress testing.

Treadmill stress test
Oxygen consumption treadmill stress test
Ankle/brachial index (ABI)

Treadmill Stress Test
A treadmill stress test also is known as an exercise electrocardiogram. Before the test is started, electrodes are applied to 10 different locations on the arms and chest. An EKG and blood pressure are taken at rest to be compared with those taken during and after exercise. The treadmill is started, first at a slow speed, then faster and more elevated until enough information has been obtained. The EKG and blood pressure are monitored continuously and a physician is present throughout the exam. The procedure usually takes 60 minutes.

Oxygen Consumption Treadmill Stress Test
An oxygen consumption treadmill stress test is used to check how well the heart, lungs, blood vessels and muscles work together following diseases of the heart muscle (cardiomyopathy) and heart attack. The electrical activity of the heart and exhaled breath before, during and after exercise is analyzed. Before the test is started, electrodes are applied to 10 different locations on the chest and arms. A disposable mouthpiece is used to analyze exhaled air and a small probe is attached to the forehead to monitor the level of oxygen in the blood. Baseline EKG, blood pressure and breath analysis are taken at rest; these are compared with those that will be taken continuously during and after exercise. The treadmill is started, first at a slow speed, then faster and more elevated until enough information has been obtained. A physician is present throughout the exam. The procedure usually takes 90 minutes.

Ankle/Brachial Index (ABI)
The ankle/brachial index (ABI) is a measurement taken to predict the severity of peripheral arterial disease in the legs. It is done by taking several measurements of blood pressure at the ankle and arm, both at rest and after a brief period of exercise on the treadmill. If the ABI measurement decreases post-exercise, it may be an indicator of peripheral arterial disease. If the results are significantly abnormal, more testing may be required to obtain more information about the condition of the arteries. While there may be some discomfort, the test is painless and is completed in less than an hour.

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Related Links
Dobutamine stress echocardiogram
Exercise echocardiogram (Stress echo)