What do the results of an exercise electrocardiogram mean?

An exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for changes in your heart while you exercise. Your doctor may be able to talk to you about your results right after the test. But complete test results may take several days.

Your doctor will look at the pattern of spikes and dips on your electrocardiogram to check the electrical activity in different parts of your heart. The spikes and dips are grouped into different sections that show how your heart is working. See a picture that explains the EKG components and intervals.

Exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) results

Normal:

• You reach your target heart rate (based on your age) and can exercise without chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease.
• Your blood pressure increases steadily during exercise.
• Your EKG tracings do not show any significant changes. Your heartbeats look normal.

• You have chest pain during or right after the test.
• You have other symptoms of heart disease, such as dizziness, fainting or extreme shortness of breath.
• Your blood pressure drops or does not rise during exercise.
• The EKG tracing does not look normal.
• Your heartbeats are too fast, too slow or very irregular.