As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain what a regular stress test can reveal about a patient's heart health.

A regular stress test, also known as an exercise stress test, is a non-invasive diagnostic tool used to evaluate how well the heart functions during physical activity. Here's what it typically shows:


1. Heart Rate Response: The test measures the heart's response to exercise, including how quickly the heart rate increases and how well it returns to a normal rate after exercise.


2. Blood Pressure Changes: It assesses how blood pressure reacts to the stress of exercise, which can indicate potential issues with the heart's ability to pump blood effectively.


3. Rhythm (Arrhythmias): The test can detect any irregular heartbeats that may occur during exertion.


4. Angina: If a patient experiences chest pain or discomfort during the test, it may suggest the presence of coronary artery disease.


5. Electrocardiogram (ECG) Changes: The ECG records the heart's electrical activity and can show signs of ischemia, which is reduced blood flow to the heart muscle.


6. Exercise Capacity: The test can determine how much exercise a person can tolerate before experiencing symptoms, which can be useful in assessing the severity of heart disease.

7.
Overall Heart Function: It provides an overall picture of the heart's ability to handle stress and can guide decisions about treatment and lifestyle changes.

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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 >>