Stress testing is a diagnostic method that combines measurement of heart rate and arterial blood pressure, continuous monitoring of the electrocardiographic recording, and assessment of the patient’s clinical condition and symptoms during physical exercise. Stress testing is indicated in the following cases: for the diagnosis of ischemic heart disease (IHD) and risk stratification; depending on the results, conservative treatment may be continued or the patient may be referred for coronary angiography; for assessment of the condition after myocardial infarction, including evaluation of the effectiveness of the applied therapy, detection of residual ischemia, and determination of the appropriate level of physical activity; for evaluation of the condition after revascularization, especially in cases of persistent or recurrent anginal symptoms; for assessment of physical capacity and risk in patients with valvular heart disease; for clarification of the etiology of rhythm and
conduction disturbances and their relationship to physical exertion.
