As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, when conducting a stress test, we look for several key indicators to evaluate the heart's function under stress. Here's what we typically look for: 1. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Changes: We monitor the ECG for any abnormalities such as arrhythmias or changes in the ST segment, which can indicate ischemia (a lack of oxygen to the heart muscle). 2. Blood Pressure Response: An abnormal blood pressure response, such as a drop or an unusually high increase, can be a sign of cardiovascular issues. 3. Symptoms: We pay close attention to any symptoms the patient reports during the test, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue. 4. Exercise Capacity: The patient's ability to exercise and the duration they can maintain the exercise can provide insights into the heart's health. 5. Heart Rate Recovery: The rate at which the heart rate returns to normal after the exercise is another important factor. A slower than normal recovery can be a sign of reduced heart function. 6. Imaging Studies: If echocardiography or nuclear imaging is used in conjunction with the stress test, we look for changes in the heart's wall motion and perfusion (blood flow). 7. Perceived Exertion: We ask patients to rate their level of perceived exertion to understand how the body is responding to the stress. 8. Maximum Achievable Heart Rate: We calculate the maximum heart rate that the patient can achieve during the test, which can be compared to the predicted maximum based on age. 9. Rate of Perceived Exertion (RPE): This is a subjective measure of how hard the patient feels they are working during the test. 10. Physical Signs: We also look for any physical signs of distress, such as pallor, sweating, or cyanosis. read more >>

A standard exercise stress test uses an EKG (electrocardiogram) to monitor changes in your heart's electrical activity. Imaging stress tests take pictures of blood flow in various parts of your heart. ... Abnormal test results may be due to coronary heart disease (CHD) or other factors, such as a lack of physical fitness.read more >>