Exercise Stress Test

Procedure Overview

The Exercise Stress Test at Gangnam Heartscan Healthcare Center evaluates cardiovascular performance and coronary blood-flow reserve while the heart works under graded physical exertion. Certain coronary artery narrowings or rhythm abnormalities remain silent at rest and only manifest when myocardial oxygen demand increases during exercise.

Clinical Indications

• Evaluation of exertional chest tightness, shortness of breath, or suspected angina pectoris
• Detection of exercise-induced myocardial ischemia or coronary artery disease
• Assessment of blood pressure response and exercise-triggered cardiac arrhythmias
• Functional cardiopulmonary capacity evaluation before beginning an intensive exercise program

How the Screening Works

1. Baseline Resting Assessment: Twelve-lead ECG electrodes and a blood pressure cuff are applied to record baseline resting heart rate, rhythm, and blood pressure.
2. Graded Treadmill Exercise: The patient walks on a medical treadmill as speed and incline increase at standardized intervals under continuous ECG and blood pressure monitoring.
3. Post-Exercise Recovery Monitoring: Monitoring continues during the cool-down and recovery phase until heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG waveforms return to baseline.

Preparation & Precautions

• Avoid heavy meals, caffeine, and smoking for 2 to 3 hours before the examination.
• Wear comfortable exercise clothing and supportive athletic running or walking shoes.
• Consult your physician in advance regarding whether any heart-rate-lowering medications (such as beta-blockers) should be held on the day of the test.
• Immediately inform the supervising medical staff if you experience chest pain, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath during the test.