
Images for illustrative purposes
Images for illustrative purposes
The stress test is a common study that shows how the heart responds to physical activity. Because exercise causes the heart to pump harder and faster, a stress test can reveal problems with blood flow inside the heart.
A stress test may be recommended if you have signs or symptoms of coronary artery disease or an irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia), although the test can also be used to guide treatment decisions, measure treatment effectiveness or determine the severity if you already have a diagnosis of a heart disorder.