To meet this demand from the body, the heart must beat faster and harder. The test shows if your heart receives enough blood from its own arteries to work harder, safely. Taking the stress test also helps your doctor know what type of exercise and how much is right for you. There are many kinds of stress tests available. The oldest type was the Master's Two Step and requires the patient to climb up and down steps.
Some physicians use bicycle testing.
Most use motor driven treadmills. The basic stress test requires leads on the chest to provide the electrocardiographic signal. The electrocardiogram is the electrical signal the doctor monitors during the test. The doctor monitors your heart rate, heart rhythm, and looks for changes which suggest that the heart itself is not receiving enough blood for its needs. The doctor will ask about symptoms and how tired you feel.