A stress test is performed to determine causes of chest pain, the exercise capacity of the heart, appropriate exercise levels in those beginning an exercise program, and to identify rhythm disturbances during exercise. There may be additional reasons that your health care provider requests this test.

Normally, heart rate increases in proportion to the workload and attains endurance levels appropriate for age and conditioning level.

Abnormal results may indicate arrhythmias during exercise, stress on the heart provoked by exercise, possible coronary artery disease (blockage in the arteries), or lack of aerobic fitness.

Stress tests are generally safe. Some patients may have chest pain or may faint or collapse. A heart attack or dangerous irregular rhythm rarely occurs, but if it does, the patient is in the best position to receive medical attention.

Patients who are likely to have such complications are usually already known to have weak hearts, so they are not given this test.

A stress test is less accurate in young or middle-aged women with symptoms that are not typical of heart disease.