Exercise ECG (Exertion Test, Exercise Electrocardiography, Running Test)

The resting EKGs taken apart from patients with heart attack and significantly severe coronary artery disease may often be insufficient to show heart artery disease. Especially in patients describing exercise-related heart complaints and whose resting tests yield normal results, an Exercise Test may be necessary.

In this test, the patient is conducted on a treadmill or bicycle according to a specific program protocol until they are exhausted, or until chest pain occurs or EKG findings indicating coronary artery blockage emerge, at which point the test is immediately stopped. The patient’s blood pressure is measured every 3 minutes during the walk, and their EKG is recorded. At the end of the test, EKG and blood pressure readings are taken for an additional 3 or 5 minutes, and the procedure is concluded.

The purpose of this test is to increase the patient’s heart rate and oxygen consumption in a manner appropriate to their age or suspected disease. In patients with coronary artery blockage, during this test, the heart muscle’s oxygen demand may not be sufficient, leading to chest pain and EKG changes in the patient. The test is terminated in patients with detected symptoms of coronary artery blockage, and the patient is placed in a resting position. The exercise test is performed under the absolute supervision of a physician and with safety precautions in place.

The sole purpose of the exercise test is not to predict coronary artery blockage. In addition to this, it may be requested for surgical planning for heart valve diseases and in cases where certain rhythm disorders are suspected.

Another important purpose of the exercise test is to provide information about the heart’s ability to cope with exertion in individuals participating in sports activities above a certain age. The exercise test is typically performed on a treadmill, although some centers may conduct it using a stationary bicycle.

The exercise test can also be conducted in individuals with advanced joint and walking problems by administering medications that increase heart rate through the vein.