Exercise Electrocardiogram

Electrocardiography, Exercise, Exercise EKG, Stress Test, Treadmill Test

How It Feels

The electrodes may feel cool when they are put on your chest. If you have a lot of hair on your chest, a small area under each electrode may need to be shaved. When the electrodes are taken off, they may pull your skin a little.

The room where the exercise electrocardiogram is done may be kept cool for comfort, since you will warm up rapidly when you begin to exercise.

The blood pressure cuff on your arm will be inflated every few minutes. This will squeeze your arm and feel tight. Tell your health professional if this is painful.

While exercising, you may have leg cramps or soreness; feel tired, short of breath, or lightheaded; have a dry mouth; and sweat. You might even have some mild chest pain. Tell the health professional or doctor if you have these symptoms.


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Author: Robin Parks, MSLast Updated: March 26, 2008
Medical Review: E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
George Philippides, MD - Cardiology

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Topic Contents
 Test Overview
 Why It Is Done
 How To Prepare
 How It Is Done
Arrow PointerHow It Feels
 Risks
 Results
 What Affects the Test
 What To Think About
 References
 Credits