Results
An exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or
ECG) is a test that checks for changes in your heart while you exercise. Your
doctor may be able to talk to you about your results right after the test.
But complete test results may take several days.
Your doctor
will look at the pattern of spikes and dips on your electrocardiogram to check
the electrical activity in different parts of your heart. The spikes and dips
are grouped into different sections that show how your heart is working. See a
picture that explains the
.
Exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) results| Normal: | You reach your target heart rate (based on
your age) and can exercise without chest pain or other symptoms of heart
disease. |
|---|
Your blood pressure increases steadily
during exercise. |
Your EKG tracings do not show any
significant changes. Your heartbeats look normal. |
| Abnormal: | You have chest pain during or right after
the test. |
|---|
You have other symptoms of heart disease,
such as dizziness, fainting, or extreme shortness of breath. |
Your blood pressure drops or does not rise
during exercise. |
The EKG tracing does not look normal.
|
Your heartbeats are too fast, too slow, or
very irregular. |
| |