Why is a graded exercise stress test performed?

A graded exercise stress test is primarily performed to evaluate the heart's response to increased levels of physical stress and exercise. During this test, the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike, while various parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) readings are monitored. This allows healthcare providers to assess how well the heart functions under strain, which can help identify conditions such as coronary artery disease, arrhythmias, and other cardiac issues that may not be apparent at rest.

The response of the heart during exercise provides critical information; for instance, if there are abnormal changes in the heart's rhythm or significant increases or decreases in blood pressure, these findings can indicate potential cardiac dysfunction. Additionally, the test can help determine an individual's exercise capacity and is often utilized in cardiac rehabilitation programs to establish safe and effective exercise regimens.

In contrast, other options involve assessments that are not directly related to the stress test's purpose. Blood pressure at rest does not give insight into exercise tolerances, lung capacity is evaluated through pulmonary function tests rather than exercise stress tests, and cholesterol levels are assessed using blood tests, not through exercise evaluation.