An exercise stress test on a cycle ergometer helps to assess your exercise tolerance, i.e. the heart’s ability to adapt to physical exertion.
During the test, it is possible to evaluate cardiovascular function and detect abnormalities that may not be visible at rest. Electrocardiography (ECG) is used to assess the blood supply to the heart muscle, as changes occurring during physical exertion can be quickly detected through measurement of the heart’s electrical activity. In addition, blood pressure is measured during exercise. The patient is closely monitored throughout the test, and post-exercise recovery is also evaluated. Exercise load is tailored individually, and increased every 1–2 minutes. The duration of the test may vary depending on the patient’s exercise tolerance.
The test lasts approximately 30 minutes.
The test is performed with a bare upper body. Women may wear a bra, and a sports bra is recommended. Comfortable sportswear and footwear should be worn for the test. For men with a hairy chest, it is advisable to shave the chest beforehand to allow proper electrode placement.