What is the primary purpose of an exercise stress test?

The primary purpose of an exercise stress test is to evaluate the heart's response to physical activity. During this test, patients engage in physical exercise, typically on a treadmill or stationary bike, while their heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are monitored. This assessment provides valuable information regarding the heart's ability to handle increased workloads and can help identify issues such as ischemic heart disease or arrhythmias that may not be evident when the heart is at rest. Observing how the heart performs during exercise allows healthcare providers to evaluate cardiovascular fitness, diagnose potential problems, and develop appropriate treatment plans based on the patient’s functional capacity and symptoms.