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: Cardiac Stress Electrocardiogram Study

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

: A cardiac stress electrocardiogram (ECG) study records your heart's electrical activity while you exercise or receive medication that simulates exercise. It helps your care team see how your heart responds to stress.

Quick summary

[": This test shows how your heart's electrical signals and rhythm respond during physical or simulated stress."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
98857-6
Short code
CRESTEKG
Synonyms
Cardiac stress EKG study Doc
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Not applicable; EKG electrodes applied directly to patient's chest, arms, and legs
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–99 years
Method
Electrocardiographic monitoring with exercise or pharmacologic stress, 12-lead EKG analysis
CPT
93015
SNOMED
44895007
Specimen volume
Not applicable; procedure-based test with no biological specimen collected
Stability
Not applicable; real-time physiological recording during procedure
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
1–24 hours
Order
routine

: What This Test Measures

: The study captures the electrical patterns of your heartbeat at rest and during increasing levels of stress. It looks for changes in rhythm, electrical timing, and blood flow-related patterns that may not appear when you are resting.

: How the Study Is Done

: Small sticky electrodes are placed on your chest and connected to an ECG machine. You may walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike while your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG tracing are monitored. If you cannot exercise, a medicine may be given to make your heart work harder in a similar way.

: What to Expect

: The test usually takes about 30 to 60 minutes including preparation. You may feel tired, short of breath, or have a rapid heartbeat during the stress portion, and these feelings typically settle once the stress stops. Tell the staff right away about chest pain, dizziness, or other unusual symptoms.

: How to Prepare

: Your care team will give you specific instructions. You may be asked to avoid caffeine, certain foods, and some medications for a period before the test, and to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Follow those instructions closely so the results are as accurate as possible.

Reference range

Interpretive report includes baseline EKG, stress response, recovery phase, ST-segment changes, arrhythmia assessment, and hemodynamic parameters. Negative stress test for ischemia is considered normal.N/A

Specimen: serum

Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for treadmill exercise. Avoid heavy meals for 2-3 hours before the test. Do not apply lotions, oils, or powders to the chest area. Continue medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by the ordering physician. Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol for at least 3 hours prior. Inform the technician of all current medications, especially beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

: A cardiac stress ECG is used to evaluate symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath with exertion, to assess exercise tolerance, and to look for signs of reduced blood flow to the heart or abnormal heart rhythms triggered by stress. Results are interpreted alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other tests; your clinician will explain what your specific findings mean for you.

Short name

: Stress ECG

Frequently asked questions

: Does a stress ECG hurt?
: The test itself is not usually painful. You may feel the normal effects of exercise, such as a faster heartbeat and heavier breathing, and the electrodes may feel cool or slightly sticky when applied.
: Can I eat or drink before the test?
: Ask your care team for your specific instructions. Many patients are told to avoid caffeine and heavy meals for several hours beforehand and to check whether any of their medications should be skipped or taken as usual.
: What happens if I cannot exercise enough for the test?
: If you are unable to exercise adequately, your care team may use a medication instead to increase your heart rate and mimic the effects of exercise, so the heart can still be evaluated under stress.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy