Electrocardiogram
While a 12-lead ECG serves as a valuable initial screening tool, it may not always detect abnormalities triggered by physical exertion. Patients experiencing exertional symptoms or suspected coronary artery disease may necessitate an exercise ECG, often performed on a treadmill, to uncover signs of inadequate blood supply to the heart or arrhythmias.
This controlled walking test carries minimal risk, starting with a slow treadmill pace that gradually increases in 3-minute intervals to a brisk walk on an incline. Throughout the test, you are closely monitored with continuous 12-lead ECG, periodic blood pressure measurements, and inquiries about any symptoms that arise. The test concludes once either the target heart rate is reached, you are unable to continue, or significant ECG abnormalities are observed. Monitoring continues during the recovery phase until the test is completed.
Results of exercise tolerance tests undergo thorough analysis and, if abnormal, may prompt further investigations such as cardiac CT coronary angiogram (CTCA), dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE), nuclear myocardial perfusion scan (MPS), or invasive coronary angiography.
