Exercise ECG is mainly used to diagnose certain diseases of the heart (especially coronary artery disease) that affect the response of heart muscle to heightened oxygen demand.
During the examination the patient is asked to pedal a stationary bicycle ergometer. The level of stress on the heart is progressively increased by adjusting the resistance of the pedal.
Stamina, fitness, heart frequency and rhythm as well as blood pressure are continuously measured while the patient is exercising. Based on the results, heart performance after a heart attack and the efficiency of applied medication can be evaluated. Moreover, hidden heart diseases (such as arrhythmias and abnormal blood flow in the coronary artery) can be diagnosed.
The analyzed findings are also important for planning the rehabilitation of heart attack survivors or patients with any type of heart disease.