A stress test, sometimes called a treadmill test or exercise test, helps physicians find out how well the heart handles work. As the body works harder during the test, it requires more oxygen to meet the increased metabolic demands of exercise. The electrocardiogram (ECG) is monitored continuously during the test to watch for any changes that suggest ischemia-- an insufficient delivery of oxygen to the working heart muscle. Often, imaging using Echo or Nuclear is added to a stress test to more accurately evaluate for ischemia.

The Heart & Vascular Center at MetroHealth Medical Center offers a full range of diagnostic stress testing in our state of the art Non-Invasive Section, including digital image acquisition of echo images and T Wave Stress testing.

Stress Echo Exercise and Pharmacologic (Dobutamine) stress echo testing are performed to determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity
	Nuclear Stress Testing Exercise and Pharmacologic (Dobutamine or Adenosine) stress nuclear testing are performed to determine if there is adequate blood flow to your heart during increasing levels of activity
TWA Stress Testing The Microvolt T-Wave Alternans test is designed to help identify patients at risk of life threatening heart rhythm disturbances that can lead to sudden cardiac death.