Exercise electrocardiogram on a treadmill

The exercise electrocardiogram is a test that records the electrical activity of the heart while the patient performs progressive physical exercise on a treadmill. The aim is to subject the heart to controlled physiological stress in order to reveal abnormalities that are not visible at rest. This test is fundamental in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease. During exercise, the heart requires a greater supply of oxygen. If the coronary arteries have significant narrowings, blood flow becomes insufficient during exercise, causing changes detectable on the ECG and sometimes symptoms such as chest pain or abnormal shortness of breath. The treadmill stress test follows a standardized protocol (usually the Bruce protocol) with a progressive increase in the speed and incline of the treadmill. The patient is continuously monitored by a cardiologist who checks the heart rate, blood pressure and symptoms throughout the test. At the Clinique Pasteur in Tunis, this test is performed in a secure environment with resuscitation equipment immediately available. The cardiologist is present throughout the test and can stop it at any time if necessary.