Your heart rate, ECG pattern, and blood pressure will be monitored as you exercise at increasing levels of intensity. Variations Patients with orthopedic problems, arthritis, or other conditions that make it impossible to exercise on a treadmill or cycle may be given a drug to increase their heart rate. After the test After the Test Depending on the test results, you should rest until your blood pressure, heart rate, and other vital signs return to normal. If there are no complications, the ECG leads are removed, and you can resume normal activities. Results available when Preliminary results immediately.
Final analysis takes several days.
Test results Interpretation A doctor studies the ECG tracings, and also assesses your performance and symptoms during the test. This test offers a simple, noninvasive method of assessing heart function during vigorous activity, and is generally safe when performed in the proper setting. Women are more likely than men to have a false-positive exercise stress test. Patients with an abnormal resting ECG usually shouldn't undergo an exercise stress test. Factors affecting results Certain medications such as antianginal drugs may alter the results by increasing your exercise tolerance.