An exercise tolerance test (also called astress test) shows how well yourhearthandles physical activity.

Theyre mainly used to detect a heart condition or monitor a preexistingheart condition.

This is because the risk of false-positive findings can result in unnecessary further testing, treatment, or worry.

Medical practice, stress ECG, test to measure the cardiac function of a patient on a cardio machine

Jochen Tack / Getty Images

Risks of an Exercise Tolerance Test

An exercise tolerance test is a relatively safe test.

They are relatively quick and painless, minus any potential minor discomfort felt while exercising.

The test itself should take about 1520 minutes.

You may be offered a glass of water or towel while you cool down.

Ultimately, your healthcare provider is the best source of information about interpreting your stress test results.

This test generally isn’t recommended for people at low risk of developing heart disease.

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American Heart Association.What is a stress test?.

Brigham and Women’s Hospital.Exercise tolerance test.

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Stanford Health Care.Risks of stress test.

Garner KK, Pomeroy W, Arnold JJ.Exercise stress testing: indications and common questions.Am Fam Physician.

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