What does the treadmill test show?

As a medical professional with expertise in cardiology, I can explain what a treadmill test, also known as a stress test, reveals about a patient's cardiovascular health. A treadmill test is designed to assess how well the heart works during physical activity. Here's what the test typically shows: 1. Heart Rate Response: The test evaluates the heart's rate of response to exercise, which can indicate how well the heart is adapting to the increased demand for blood flow during physical exertion. 2. Rhythm: It can detect any irregularities in the heart's rhythm, which could suggest conditions like arrhythmias. 3. Blood Pressure Changes: The test monitors how blood pressure reacts to exercise, which is important because some individuals may experience abnormal blood pressure responses to physical activity. 4. EKG Changes: The EKG records the electrical activity of the heart, which can reveal signs of ischemia (inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle), which often presents as chest pain or discomfort. 5. Symptoms: The test also observes the patient for any symptoms that may occur during exercise, such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue. 6. Exercise Capacity: It provides an indication of the patient's overall exercise capacity, which can be a useful measure for the severity of heart disease or the effectiveness of treatment. 7. Risk Assessment: The results of the treadmill test can help doctors assess the risk of future cardiac events and guide decisions about treatment and lifestyle modifications. The treadmill test is a valuable diagnostic tool that, when combined with the patient's medical history and other diagnostic information, can help healthcare providers make informed decisions about patient care.

The illustration shows a patient having a stress test. Electrodes are attached to the patient's chest and connected to an EKG (electrocardiogram) machine. The EKG records the heart's electrical activity. A blood pressure cuff is used to record the patient's blood pressure while he walks on a treadmill.