Cardiac Exercise Test: What Is It And How Is It Performed?

The cardiac exercise test is a simple, non-invasive test performed to assess the body’s response to exercise. The overall goal is to observe the response and how the body adapts to the demands of physical exertion.

This type of test is becoming more common nowadays because it provides valuable information about a person’s health and abilities. The cardiac exercise test is performed for both diagnostic and prognostic purposes.

It is recommended that people undergo an exercise test before starting an exercise routine or training for a sport. Depending on the circumstances, exercise and / or sports may aggravate certain hidden diseases or generate new ones.

What is a cardiac exercise test?

The exercise test is a physical endurance test in which the body is monitored during various exercises. The goal is to assess how the heart responds to physical activity.

This test is also called ergometry. Many heart diseases show no symptoms while the person is at rest. However, they can become apparent when the body needs to work harder. Exercise can simulate this requirement.

The exercise test makes it possible to detect heart problems or follow up on a patient who has already been diagnosed. The information provided helps to determine the performance of the heart and to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment, if necessary.

Who is the cardiac exercise test for?

What does the cardiac exercise test entail?

The exercise test lasts about an hour, with the necessary time for preparation. The first thing medical professionals do is place adhesive patches – or electrodes – on the patient’s chest, arms and legs. They are wired to a device that produces an electrocardiogram.

Specialists also place a cuff to monitor blood pressure during the test. Those who do not exercise regularly are given intravenous medication. Subsequently, the patient may feel heat on the face, difficulty breathing or headache.

Then the patient will start exercising on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. At first, it will move slowly, then the degree of difficulty will gradually increase. Medical personnel may ask the patient to breathe through a tube during the test to assess their respiratory function.

The test will continue until the predetermined goal is reached or until the onset of symptoms that prevent further testing. The patient will have to remain still and then lie down, always under monitoring. The doctor will indicate when the test is completed.

Aspects to consider

Exercise tests are safe, but are not recommended for pregnant women. They rarely lead to complications such as low blood pressure, arrhythmias or heart attack. Rarely, an allergic reaction to the injected drug occurs.

Your doctor should indicate how the patient should prepare for this type of test. If he does not, the patient should ask him about it. In general, the patient will be asked to wear comfortable clothes and shoes and reduce food intake a few hours before the test.

Tell your doctor about any medicine you are using, as some substances may change the test results. This type of test requires the signing of an informed consent form.