What is astress ECG?

The electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) is a noninvasive test that is used to reflect underlying heart conditions by measuring the electrical activity of the heart.
By positioning leads (electrical sensing devices) on the body in standardized locations.
In a stress test, you walk on a treadmill that makes your heart work progressively harder. An electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors your hearts electrical rhythms. The doctor also measures your blood pressure and monitors whether you have symptoms like chest discomfort or fatigue.
Abnormalities in blood pressure, heart rate, or ECG or worsening physical symptoms could point to coronary artery disease (CAD): fatty deposits (plaques) that reduce the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle.

Why do I need a stress ECG?

Electrocardiograms can diagnose:
• Abnormally fast or irregular heart rhythms
• Abnormally slow heart rhythms
• Diagnose coronary artery disease
• Diagnose a possible heart-related cause of symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath or lightheadedness
• Determine a safe level of exercise
• Check the effectiveness of procedures done to improve coronary artery circulation in patients with coronary artery disease
• Predict risk of dangerous heart-related conditions such as a heart attack.
• Adverse effects on the heart from various heart diseases or systemic diseases (such as high blood pressure, thyroid conditions, etc.)
• Adverse effects on the heart from certain lung conditions (such as emphysema, pulmonary embolus [blood clots to lung])
• Certain congenital heart abnormalities
• Evidence of abnormal blood electrolytes (potassium, calcium, magnesium)
• Evidence of inflammation of the heart or its lining (myocarditis, pericarditis)

How to prepare for a stress ECG?

This exam require some special preparations :
Getting ready for an exercise stress test is much like getting ready for a brisk walk or jog around the neighborhood :
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking or running.
• Dont eat, smoke, or drink beverages containing caffeine or alcohol for three hours before the test.
• You should stop medications that can interfere with the hearts response to exercise, like a beta blocker or digoxin, a day or more before the test.
• If you have diabetes, ask your doctor when and what you should eat before the test, to make sure your blood sugar stays in the right zone. You may be asked to check your blood sugar before the test, and then again soon afterward and once or twice when you get home.