Certain heart problems, like atrial fibrillation, may be easier to diagnose if your heart is working hard and beating fast. With an EKG (ECG) stress test, your doctor will observe your heart either while you are exercising or, if you are unable to exercise, while you are taking a medication to speed up your heart rate so your heart works hard and beats fast during the EKG. The EKG stress test may show your doctor the following:
- Any abnormal changes in your blood pressure and/or heart rate
- Symptoms you may have reported such as chest pain under stress or during exercise
- Any unusual changes in your heart's rhythm or electrical system
- Problems such as valvular heart disease or heart failure
Certain heart problems, like atrial fibrillation, may be easier to
diagnose if your heart is working hard and beating fast. With an
EKG (ECG) stress test, your doctor will observe your heart either
while you are exercising or, if you are...
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Dr. Douglas Severance answered:Certain heart problems, like atrial fibrillation, may be easier to diagnose if your heart is working hard and beating fast. With an EKG (ECG) stress test, your doctor will observe your heart either while you are exercising or, if you are unable to exercise, while you are taking a medication to speed up your heart rate so your heart works hard and beats fast during the EKG. The EKG stress test may show your doctor the following:
