HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Exercise Electrocardiogram
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
Reference EKG components and intervals Opens New Window Reference 
Opens New Window.
| Normal: |
You reach your target heart rate (based on your age) and can exercise without chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease. |
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Your blood pressure increases steadily during exercise. |
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Your EKG tracings do not show any significant changes. Your heartbeats look normal. |
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| Abnormal: |
You have chest pain during or right after the test. |
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You have other symptoms of heart disease, such as dizziness, fainting, or extreme shortness of breath. |
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Your blood pressure drops or does not rise during exercise. |
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The EKG tracing does not look normal. |
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Your heartbeats are too fast, too slow, or very irregular. |
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