A stress test, often times called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps a doctor find out how well your heart handles work. As your body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen and in effect the heart must pump more blood.

The patient walks on a treadmill while the blood pressure and EKG are monitored. The treadmill test evaluates the heart’s response to exercise and helps uncover problems such as coronary blockages and heart rhythm abnormalities.