A treadmill test, also known as a cardiac stress test or exercise stress test, is a diagnostic test used to evaluate how well the heart functions during physical activity. It is typically used to diagnose and assess the severity of heart disease, evaluate symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, and palpitations, and monitor the effectiveness of treatment.

During the test, the patient is connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG) machine to measure the heart’s electrical activity, and blood pressure is measured at regular intervals. The patient then walks on a treadmill, starting at a slow speed and gradually increasing the speed and incline. The test continues until the patient reaches a target heart rate, experiences symptoms, or is unable to continue.

The results of the treadmill test can provide information on the heart’s ability to handle physical activity, identify abnormalities in the heart’s electrical activity, and indicate the presence of coronary artery disease or other heart conditions. The test is typically performed in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of a physician or trained technician.