How is an Effort Test Performed?

What is an Effort Test?

An effort test is a test used in the diagnosis and follow-up of cardiovascular diseases. This test is to increase the workload of the heart by making the person exercise in accordance with certain criteria and to investigate whether there is a cardiovascular disease that may cause insufficient nutrition of the heart muscle during this load. 

The effort test is performed on a motorized treadmill called “treadmill” in health institutions. During the test, the patient’s ECG recording, blood pressure and heart rhythm are monitored.

Who Should Undergo a Stress Test?

Exertion test is performed in people who have complaints such as chest pain, heart rhythm disorder, hypertension or who have undergone treatments such as heart attack, stent, by-pass. In addition, people over the age of 40 and some occupational groups may also be recommended for preventive purposes.

Effort Test in Women 

An exercise program suitable for women’s constitution is determined. Women have a lower risk of cardiovascular diseases than men. Therefore, women may not need a stress test. However, women can also have a stress test if they have complaints such as typical or atypical chest pain, heart rhythm disorder, hypertension, or if they have undergone treatments such as heart attack, stent, by-pass.

What is an Effort Test and What is It Used for?

An effort test is performed on a treadmill or bicycle ergometer, usually in the cardiology department, under the supervision of a doctor or technician. During the test, electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest and connected to an ECG device. The patient’s heartbeat is thus continuously monitored. The patient’s blood pressure is also measured regularly.

When the test starts, the patient is asked to move slowly. Every 3 minutes, the speed and incline of the treadmill or the resistance of the bicycle is increased. This forces the patient’s heart to work harder. During the test, the patient’s symptoms (chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, etc.) are asked and recorded.

The test is terminated when the patient reaches maximum exertion capacity, shows significant symptoms, abnormalities are seen on the ECG or at the doctor’s discretion. After the test, the patient’s resting ECG and blood pressure are measured again.

How is an Effort Test Performed?

Effort test is a test used in the diagnosis and follow-up of cardiovascular diseases. An exertion test is a test to increase the workload of the heart by making the person perform a certain exercise and to investigate whether there is a condition that may cause insufficiency in the nutrition of the heart muscle. 

Step-by-step effort test process:

• First, electrodes are attached to the patient’s chest for ECG recording.
• After electrode attachment, the patient’s resting pulse and blood pressure are measured and recorded.
• ECG measurement is performed while the patient is lying down, standing and breathing in and out at one-minute intervals. The results are recorded.
• ECG monitoring is performed regularly during the effort test and the results are recorded. The patient’s blood pressure is measured at regular intervals. While the heart rhythm is monitored, blood pressure is measured every 3 minutes on average.
• When the test starts, the treadmill first moves slowly and at a low incline. In the first stage, brisk walking of the patient is sufficient for measurements.
• In the effort test, the speed and incline are increased at 3-minute intervals. Meanwhile, the patient’s pulse, blood pressure, breathing and complaints such as chest pain are carefully monitored.
• The test duration is approximately 10-15 minutes. At the end of the test, a resting ECG is taken before the patient is allowed to get off the treadmill. Depending on the patient’s condition, ECG monitoring may continue after the end of the test.

Who Should Undergo a Stress Test?

The stress test is performed especially in people who complain of chest pain or are at risk of coronary artery disease. With the effort test, the presence, severity and treatment effectiveness of cardiovascular disease in these people are evaluated. In addition, the stress test examines the person’s capacity for exertion, heart rhythm disturbances and changes in blood pressure.

An effort test should be performed especially in the following cases:

• Complaints such as chest pain or shortness of breath
• Those who have had a heart attack or stent implantation
• Those with heart rhythm disorders
• Those with risk factors such as hypertension or diabetes
• Those being treated for cardiovascular disease
• Over 40 years of age

The doctor’s clinical judgment is important in selecting people to undergo a stress test. In some cases, it may not be appropriate to perform a stress test or the results may not be reliable. 

These situations include:

• People who have had a heart attack or heart failure
• People with a heart rhythm disorder or a pacemaker implanted
• People with valvular heart disease or stenosis or blockage of the heart
• People with aortic aneurysm or at risk of bleeding
• People with orthopedic problems or who are too old or frail to exercise
• People with abnormal ECG or taking medication

Patients should pay attention to some points before the effort test. 

These are:

• Not eating and avoiding caffeinated drinks 3 hours before the test
• Not smoking and drinking alcohol 24 hours before the test
• No heavy exercise 48 hours before the test
• Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers on the test day
• Taking or not taking medicines recommended by the doctor
• Informing the doctor if they do not feel well during the test.