Exercise Stress Test

Exercise stress testing evaluates cardiovascular function and diagnoses heart conditions by measuring the heart's response to exertion using a treadmill or stationary bicycle.

Before the test, the nurse informs the patient about the procedure, instructs them to wear comfortable clothing and athletic shoes, and ensures that the patient fasts for three hours while avoiding caffeine, alcohol, and tobacco for twenty-four hours prior.

The nurse attaches ten ECG leads, placing the precordial leads in standard positions. Then right and left arm electrodes are placed two cm below the clavicle, and right and left leg electrodes are placed below the rib cage on the lower torso.

During the test, exercise starts with a low-intensity warm-up phase and gradually increases, with continuous ECG, heart rate, and blood pressure monitoring.

The test stops at target heart rate when significant ECG changes occur, or symptoms like chest pain or dyspnea appears.

A negative result shows no ECG changes. A positive interpretation may include ST-segment depression, T-wave inversion, or other ECG changes indicating ischemia or arrhythmia, which may require further treatment.