Exercise Electrocardiogram

An exercise Reference electrocardiogram Opens New Window is done to:

• Help find the cause of unexplained chest pain.
• Help decide on the best treatment for a person with Reference angina Opens New Window.
• See how well people who have had a Reference heart attack Opens New Window or heart surgery are able to tolerate exercise.
• Help find the cause of symptoms that occur during exercise or activity, such as dizziness, fainting, or rapid, irregular heartbeats (Reference palpitations Opens New Window).
• Check for a blockage or narrowing of an artery after a medical procedure, such as Reference angioplasty Opens New Window or Reference coronary artery bypass surgery Opens New Window, especially if the person has chest pain or other symptoms.
• See how well medicine or other treatment for chest pain or an irregular heartbeat is working.
• Help you make decisions about starting an exercise program if you have been inactive for a number of years and have an increased chance of having heart disease.

Exercise electrocardiograms are not recommended if you're healthy and have no symptoms of heart disease.^{Reference 1}

© 1995-2011, Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Reference Terms of Use. Reference How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions.