Exercise Stress Tests
What it's for
An exercise stress test looks at how your heart performs while you are exercising. It can help reveal heart problems that may not show up when your body is at rest.
How it's done
An exercise stress test is an EKG that is performed while you walk or run on a treadmill. An EKG, or electrocardiogram, looks at your heart’s electrical activity.
Several electrodes are attached to your chest by a lab technician. Your heart rate and blood pressure will also be monitored.
You will be asked to begin walking on a treadmill. The intensity of the exercise is gradually increased. While you are exercising, the lab technician watches your heart’s electrical activity. You will be encouraged to let the technician know if you feel anything unusual. You should exercise as much as you can for as long as possible, until you decide that you should stop.
When the test is completed, the information recorded will be given to your doctor for further analysis.
Technology and expertise at URMC
URMC Cardiology offers the most current equipment available for exercise stress tests. Our staff is highly trained in performing these tests, and takes special care to help our patients feel at ease.
Who to contact
If you need more information about exercise stress tests at URMC Cardiology, please call us at (585) 275-8218.
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