What is an exercise electrocardiogram (ECG)?

An electrocardiogram (ECG), is a quick and simple test that evaluates the heart. An electrode (small, stick-to-the-skin plastic patches) is used to perform this test. They are placed on certain areas of the chest, arms and legs. An ECG machine is connected to the electrodes by wires. The electrical activity of your heart is then measured, interpreted and printed out. The body is not exposed to electricity.

To keep blood flowing properly, natural electrical impulses coordinate contractions in the various parts of the heart. These impulses are recorded in an ECG to show the speed of the heart beating, the rhythm (steady or irregular) and the strength and timing the electrical impulses travel through the various parts of the body. An ECG change can indicate many conditions.

To assess your heart's response when you exercise or stress, an exercise ECG is performed. The ECG is taken while you exercise on a stationary bike or treadmill. To compare the effects on the heart of increasing stress, an ECG trace will be taken at various points. The treadmill speed and incline will be increased periodically to make exercising more difficult. You will pedal faster if you're riding a bicycle against more resistance. You will be asked to exercise until your target heart rate is reached (determined by your healthcare provider based upon age and physical condition) or until you feel unable to continue because of tiredness, shortness or chest pain or any other symptoms.

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What are the reasons I might need an exercise electrocardiogram

Your healthcare provider may request an exercise electrocardiogram (ECG).

If your doctor suspects that you have coronary heart disease (blocked arteries) it is possible to assess your stress tolerance and exercise tolerance.

For those who have had a cardiac event such as a heart attack, myocardial infarction (or MI), or are recovering from one, it is important to determine the safe limits of exercise.

To measure heart rate and electrical activity during exercise

To measure heart rate and blood pressure while exercising

Your healthcare provider may recommend an exercise ECG for other reasons.

What are the potential risks associated with an exercise electrocardiogram

There is a very small chance of:

Chest pain

Heart attack

High blood pressure

Unregular heartbeats

Dizziness

Nausea

Tiredness

Passing out

Cardiac arrest

Heart rhythm problems can be serious.

The sticky electrodes can be irritating and uncomfortable to remove. The electrode patches can cause tissue damage or skin irritation if left on for too long.

Other risks may exist depending on your medical condition. Before the procedure, discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider.

Some factors or conditions can interfere with the ECG results or cause them to be affected, such as:

Before the test, eat a substantial meal

Before the test, you should consume caffeine

Before the test, you must not have smoked or used other tobacco products.

High blood pressure

Electrolyte imbalances such as too much potassium, too little magnesium, or too much calcium in the blood can lead to electrolyte imbalances.

Some medicines, like beta-blockers may make it more difficult to raise the heart rate to the desired level.

Heart valve disease

Expanded heart

Arrhythmias