Cardiac Stress Test ECG Study (Type)
This test involves monitoring your heart’s electrical activity (ECG) while you exercise or undergo medication-induced stress to evaluate how well your heart responds to increased demand.
["Helps identify heart conditions by checking how your heart beats and functions under stress."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 76645-1
- Short code
- CSTEKG
- Synonyms
- Cardiac stress test EKG study Type
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Not applicable - cardiac stress test is performed on the patient directly, not on a collected specimen
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 10
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–100 years
- Method
- Electrocardiographic (ECG/EKG) recording during exercise or pharmacologic stress testing with continuous 12-lead monitoring
- CPT
- 93017
- SNOMED
- 165080009
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 1–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll typically start with a baseline ECG to record your heart’s normal rhythm. Then, you’ll exercise on a treadmill or receive medication to mimic physical stress. Your heart’s electrical activity will be continuously monitored throughout the process. Rest assured, the test is usually quick and safe, though you may feel lightheaded or fatigued during exercise.
During the Test
During the test, electrodes will be attached to your chest to detect electrical signals. If you’re exercising, you’ll walk or run on a treadmill while the ECG machine records your heart’s rhythm. If medication is used, you’ll receive doses intravenously to simulate stress. The test lasts about 30–60 minutes, and you’ll be monitored closely by medical staff.
After the Test
After completing the stress, you’ll rest briefly while your heart’s rhythm is checked again. You may feel shortness of breath, dizziness, or fatigue, but these are normal. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for a few hours afterward. Your doctor will review the results to determine if your heart responded normally to stress.
Why It’s Done
This test is used to diagnose or rule out conditions like coronary artery disease, heart rhythm problems, or poor blood flow to the heart muscle. It helps doctors assess how well your heart functions under stress, which can guide treatment decisions.
Reference range
Interpretation-dependent: Normal study shows no significant ST-segment depression/elevation (>1 mm), no arrhythmias, and adequate heart rate response (>85% of maximum predicted heart rate) at peak exertion. Ischemic response defined as ≥1 mm horizontal or downsloping ST-segment depression at 80 ms after J-point, or ≥1 mm ST-segment elevation in leads without pre-existing Q-waves. Hemodynamic response typically <10 mmHg drop or >20 mmHg rise in systolic BP.N/A
Fasting not required. Patients should avoid heavy meals 2-3 hours before testing. Hold beta-blockers 24-48 hours prior if goal is to assess ischemia (per supervising physician orders). Avoid caffeine, smoking, and alcohol for 12-24 hours before the test. Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes suitable for exercise. Obtain informed consent. Continue usual medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by physician.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
ECG During Stress Test
Frequently asked questions
How long does the test take?
What are common side effects?
Do I need to prepare for this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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