Exercise stress testing

Exercise stress testing is used widely to evaluate the presence and extent of anatomic disease and the prognosis when significant disease has been defined. Indications for diagnostic testing include elevated blood pressure, palpitations, and chest pain. Functional testing is used to assess progression of cardiac disease, cardiac status following therapy, and physical capacity. Exercise testing must be applied to an appropriately selected group of patients. The indications, contraindications, types, results, and complications of exercise testing are presented.