An Exercise ECG provides information about the heart’s structure and function under exercise stress. It can also determine whether you have blocked or narrowed coronary arteries, warranting the need for further testing and/or treatment.

During the assessment, which usually takes around five to 15 minutes, you will be wired up to a machine that records your heart’s activity while you exercise on a treadmill at increasing intensity.

Your doctor may ask that you have an exercise stress test if you are experiencing:

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Angina
• Irregular heart beat

An exercise stress test is also very useful in evaluating your risk of heart disease even if you don’t present with any current symptoms.