Stress testing is a cardiovascular diagnostic procedure used to evaluate how the heart performs during physical exertion or controlled stress. By monitoring heart rate, blood pressure, rhythm and symptoms while a patient exercises on a treadmill or receives medication that simulates exercise, physicians can identify reduced blood flow to the heart, abnormal heart rhythms and exercise-related symptoms.
Stress testing is commonly used to diagnose coronary artery disease, assess exercise tolerance, guide treatment plans and determine safe activity levels for patients with known or suspected heart conditions.