Stress Tests Helpful Only in Response to Certain Symptoms

An exercise stress test is a common screening used to help diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD) or a heart rhythm problem that is brought on by exertion. A standard stress test uses an electrocardiogram (EKG) to measure changes in the hearts electrical activity. Imaging stress tests produce pictures of how blood travels through the heart. A stress test helps us see how the heart functions when it is under stress and working harder than it does at rest, says Christine Jellis, MD, PhD, a heart imaging specialist at Cleveland Clinic.