Exercise (Stress) ECGs – What Can You Expect?
When it comes to heart health, understanding the function and performance of your cardiovascular system is crucial. One way to evaluate this is through an Exercise Electrocardiogram (ECG), commonly referred to as a stress test.
If you’ve been advised to undergo this procedure, you might have some questions about what’s involved and the things you can expect. In this post, we’ll cover exactly what a stress ECG is, what you can expect at our clinic, the meaning of the results, and much more.
What is a stress ECG?
A stress ECG is a diagnostic test that measures your heart’s electrical activity while you exercise.
The primary goal is to assess how well your heart performs under physical stress, which can reveal potential heart issues that may not be apparent during rest. During the test, electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor heart rhythms, while you engage in physical activity, typically on a treadmill or stationary bike.
At EchoMed, we specialise in all types of heart scans, with no one being more qualified to talk you through this procedure and complete thorough testing.
What to expect at our clinic
Upon arriving at our clinic, you’ll be greeted by our friendly team of clinicians and doctors, who will guide you through the entire process. To start with, you will undergo a consultation with one of our Heart Specialist Doctors, who will then prepare, supervise and analyse your exercise test.
Our entire team is dedicated to taking a responsible, sensitive, and respectful approach to heart scanning, helping you to feel at ease and comfortable when in our clinic. For more information about our clinic and facilities, contact us today.
What the results mean
Once the test is completed, our Heart Specialists will take you through your results at the end of your appointment. The results can indicate whether your heart is receiving enough blood during physical activity, and help diagnose conditions like coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, or other functional issues.
A normal response indicates that your heart is working well under stress, while abnormal results usually require further investigation. If any abnormalities are identified, our team will take the time to explain your results to you and outline the next steps you need to take.
Why would you have an exercise ECG?
There are several reasons your doctor might recommend a stress ECG, with common scenarios including:
- evaluating unexplained chest pain
- assessing your fitness level before starting a new exercise program
- monitoring the effectiveness of heart treatments
It may also be used for pre-operative assessments or to help determine if you need further testing.
Preparing for a scan
Preparation is key for an effective stress ECG, such as wearing comfortable clothing and athletic shoes to ensure you’re pain free when exercising. It’s also helpful to arrive well-hydrated but not overly so – balance is important.
During your scan
Once you have changed into your exercise gear, a Doctor will position 10 ECG electrodes (stickers) on your chest – please note, these can normally be positioned around a sports bra. An ECG recorder will also be attached to you via a belt, and a blood pressure cuff sited on the arm. You will then undergo the internationally standardised ‘Bruce protocol’ stress test on one of our inhouse treadmills.
This graded exercise programme increases the incline and speed of the treadmill every 3 minutes until your target heart rate is achieved. Your heart tracing, symptoms and blood pressure will be monitored continuously throughout the test, and after a short recovery period, the equipment will be removed and the test will be complete.
How does a stress test work?
During the exercise, your heart is subjected to stress, which increases its demand for oxygen. By analysing the heart’s electrical activity at rest and during exercise, Doctors can observe how well the heart copes with increased workload.
Any changes in the ECG, such as ST segment depression, T wave inversion, or irregular rhythms, can signal potential heart problems.
Is stress testing safe?
Yes, stress testing is generally considered safe. Complications are rare but can include abnormal heart rhythms or chest pain. Our medical professionals will be present to monitor you throughout the test, ensuring any issues are quickly addressed.
When attending an EchoMed clinic, you can be confident that your safety and comfort are our top priorities.
In summary, an Exercise ECG is a valuable tool for evaluating your heart health. By understanding what to expect during the process, you can approach your appointment with confidence and clarity. Hopefully, you’ll now have a better idea of what a stress ecg is, but if you have any further questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to our clinic. Your heart health matters!
