تست ورزش قلب ابزاری دقیق است که عملکرد واقعی قلب را در شرایط چالشبرانگیز و اوج فعالیت بدنی ارزیابی میکند. نتیجه این آزمایش هم برای تشخیص بیماریهای قلبی، گرفتگی عروق یا اختلال ریتم بهدرد میخورد، هم پزشک را به انتخاب رویکرد درمانی مناسب میرساند. مهمتر از همه، درک بهتری از سطح توانایی قلب و میزان تحمل آن در فعالیتهای روزانه به خود فرد میدهد. در این راهنما به زبان ساده و مرحلهبهمرحله، درباره تست ورزش قلب، مراحل انجام این آزمایش، مدتزمان تست و تفسیر نتایجش حرف میزنیم. میخواهید از سلامت قلبتان مطمئن شوید؟ این راهنما یک نقشه راه کامل برای شماست.
What is a cardiac exercise test and why is it done?
A cardiac exercise test is designed to evaluate the heart's performance during increased physical activity or controlled stress and shows how well the heart is pumping blood and whether it is getting enough blood. The purpose of this test is to identify blood flow problems in the coronary arteries, heart failure or abnormal heart rhythm. In this test, a person walks and runs on a treadmill or a stationary bike, and his heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG are recorded at the same time, so that problems related to the heart muscle or valves are revealed. href="https://drdr.ir/mag/%D9%86%D8%A7%D8%B1%D8%B3%D8%A7%DB%8C%DB%8C-%D9%82%D9%84%D8%A8%DB%8 C-%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%A7%D8%A6%D9%85-%D8%B9%D9%84%D8%AA-%D8%AF%D8%B1%D9%85%D8%A7%D9%86/"> failure Heart;
Periodical performance of this test is recommended for the following groups:
- People with high-risk jobs (such as pilots or professional athletes);
- Heart patients who undergo treatment
- diabetics who plan to start exercising;
- healthy people who have a family history of heart disease, diabetes, etc.
When is a cardiac exercise test necessary?
What is the most important reason for a cardiac exercise test and when does a doctor immediately write an order to do it? When:
- You have coronary artery disease and have chest pain;
- You suffer from angina pectoris (chest pain or discomfort due to poor blood flow to the heart);
- You have had a heart attack;
- You have recently had angioplasty or heart bypass surgery;
- You have arrhythmia (rapid heartbeat or you are irregular);
- you have shortness of breath (dyspnea);
- you feel light-headed or dizzy.
Does an exercise test show coronary artery congestion?
Exercise test It is for the heart and it shows the possibility of blockage of the heart vessels. If the arteries are closed, during intense physical activity, the ECG indicates a drop in blood supply to the heart muscle, which means that some of the heart's arteries are probably blocked. The result of this test will be confirmed with detailed additional tests such as heart scan, stress echocardiography or angiography.
Cardiac exercise test in women
Women have a lower maximum heart rate and cardiovascular capacity than men, and usually the symptoms of heart disease are different in them than men. On the other hand, subcutaneous fat and hormones affect the results of heart exercise test in women. This makes it difficult to diagnose heart disease in the early stages and prompts the doctor to perform a nuclear heart scan or echocardiography. During the exercise test, the doctor must consider women's gender and age in order to obtain optimal results. 
Stages of exercise test Heart
You ask "what is the heart exercise test like"? Here's a look at how it's done:
- First, a technician measures the subject's vital signs, things like resting heart rate and blood pressure;
- Then he attaches small, sticky discs to the person's chest and arms and an EKG machine: these discs are called electrodes;
- The person starts walking on a treadmill or at a brisk pace. Melahi pedals on a stationary bicycle;
- The speed and incline gradually increases and the technician asks the person from time to time;
- The electrocardiogram device measures the heart rate of the person and the blood pressure is also measured and recorded;
- This test continues until the target heart rate is reached, that is, when the chest suffers pain or worrying pressure or oxygen to the heart
- In case of severe symptoms or a request to stop, the technician will finish the test sooner.
The difference between the exercise test and other heart examination methods
The heart exercise test is prescribed as an initial test to check the condition of the blood flow in the heart, and if the results are not normal, the doctor will refer to the tests for accurate and definitive diagnosis. It is advanced like stress echo or heart scan.
Exercise or stress echo test; Which one is better?
Stress echocardiogram (stress echo) is a basic test with more details and based on imaging (sonography). By evaluating blood flow, heart pumping chambers, valve function, and wall motion, this test easily identifies those areas of the heart that have poor blood supply or dysfunction, even in people whose heart exercise test results are normal. For people who do not have the strength for heavy and intense activity, an echo test is prescribed instead of a heart test. src="data:image/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns=%22http://www.w3.org/2000/svg%22%20viewBox=%220%200%201200%20900%22%3E%3C/svg%3E" data-src="https://drdr.ir/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/exercise-stress-test-heart-03.webp" alt="Stress echocardiogram of the heart" width="1200" height="900" data-srcset="https://drdr.ir/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/exercise-stress-test-heart-03-280x210.webp 280w, https://drdr.ir/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/exercise-stress-test-heart-03-1024x768.webp 1024w https://drdr.ir/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/exercise-stress-test-heart-03-768x576.webp 768w, https://drdr.ir/mag/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/exercise-stress-test-heart-03.webp 1200w" data-sizes="(max-width: 1200px) 100vw, 1200px">
Is a heart scan better or an exercise test?
Exercise testing is a simpler, less expensive and suitable method for the initial evaluation of heart function and Investigating the possibility of blood vessel occlusion. On the other hand, the heart scan (nuclear scan or myocardial perfusion) is more accurate and not only detects poor blood supply, which determines the amount of blood loss and the exact location of the blood supply reduction to the heart muscle.
Choosing between heart scan and exercise test depends on the purpose of the diagnosis, the patient's condition and the doctor's opinion. The exercise test is mostly used for the initial assessment and screening of patients, and a heart scan is prescribed when the results of the exercise test are ambiguous and a more accurate assessment of the heart's blood flow is necessary. It is interpreted in context. So don't look for the reason why the heart exercise test is positive or negative; The results of this test are "normal" or "abnormal":
- If the test result is normal, that means you can exercise and be active as much as your peers and gender, and your blood pressure or heart rate is not dangerous.
- If the test result is abnormal, it means that your heart rhythm becomes abnormal during exercise, and this is possible. It indicates the blockage of the heart arteries.
Instead of interpreting the heart exercise test at home, enter the doctor doctor medical system and upload your test answer to the doctors. Our experts will send you a complete interpretation of the test status. You can also perform all kinds of medical tests at home or at a place of your choice by requesting an on-site test.
What does the maximum heart rate (HR) mean in an exercise test? Does it?
The maximum heart rate in the exercise test shows the ability of the heart at the peak of physical activity. Usually, the amount of this factor is calculated by the formula "220 minus the age of the tester". Achieving at least 80 to 85% of this value means that the test has sufficient intensity and the results are reliable. While not reaching this value will indicate the weakness of the heart function.
What are METs in the exercise test?
METs or Metabolic Equivalents is a unit for measuring the intensity of physical activity and indicates that the body consumes several times more energy during exercise than at rest. Each 1 MET is equivalent to oxygen consumption at rest (3.5 ml of oxygen per kilogram of weight per minute).
A high number of METs means a better cardiovascular capacity and a favorable condition of the person. While not reaching high MET indicates the possibility of low cardiovascular capacity.
What does ETT mean in exercise test?
ETT stands for Exercise Treadmill Test. This is the standard exercise test that simultaneously records heart rate, blood pressure and heart symptoms while walking or running on a treadmill.
Other suspicious cases in exercise test Heart
If the ST segment drops or slopes on the EKG, during or after exercise, this is usually a sign of ischemia or reduced blood supply to the heart muscle. Its rise is abnormal and alarming. Also, an excessive increase or decrease in blood pressure during activity is probably a sign of vascular problems or heart failure. Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, dizziness or lightheadedness during the test are all warning signs.
Preparation and tips before the cardiac exercise test
After this test is prescribed by the doctor, the testers want to know how to prepare for the cardiac exercise test and what points should be followed to achieve optimal results. The important points of preparation for this test are:
- Do not eat anything in the hours leading up to the test.
- Avoid caffeine consumption 24 hours before the test. This means that coffee, tea, energy drinks and some non-prescription drugs are prohibited.
- Do not smoke 3 hours before the test and stop smoking. Also, do not use an asthma inhaler.
- If you have taken Viagra, tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra) within 24 to 48 hours before the test, tell your doctor.
- Keep calm. Anxiety changes the result of this test.
What clothes should we wear for the sports test?
On the day of the test, you should wear light, comfortable and breathable clothes so that it does not prevent the movement and sweating of the body. Instead of tight dresses and heels, a cotton t-shirt or blouse with baggy sweatpants or shorts is a good choice. Leave your jewelry at home and bring a pair of walking or running shoes with a soft sole.
How many minutes does the heart exercise test take?
Worried about how long the heart exercise test takes? We must say that the test itself (activity on a treadmill or bicycle) takes between 10 and 15 minutes; However, this entire process, including preparation, testing and recovery, takes about 30 to 45 minutes.
The exact duration of the test session depends on the physical condition of the person (heart capacity), the speed and intensity of the activities. If the examiner feels tired sooner, has shortness of breath sooner, and the technician sees abnormal changes in his ECG, the test will be stopped sooner.
The cost of cardiac exercise testing
Estimating the cost of cardiac exercise testing includes things such as the choice of public or private medical centers, doctor expertise, medical center equipment, and insurance coverage. The cost of performing and interpreting this test in private or specialized centers with advanced facilities will naturally be higher than in government centers. According to the tariffs reported from different centers, the total price of this test in 1404 varies from 500 thousand to 1.5 million Tomans.
Doctor's last words
Cardiac exercise test opens an accurate and clear window on the heart's function and shows the heart's endurance under pressure. This test is performed with the aim of evaluating blood flow, heart muscle capacity and the possibility of vascular diseases. By examining the results of this test, the doctor will easily identify possible heart diseases and disorders and identify serious heart diseases in the early stages. Prevention of serious complications and guidance of effective treatment is one of the most important advantages of this functional test.
By knowing the preparation points, steps and other details of heart exercise test, you can pass this process safely and effectively. If you don't have complete information about this, talk to our doctors at DoctorDoctor Medical System. In these online visit sessions, the best experts in the country will sit in front of you and answer your questions.
