3 heart tests a cardiologist says you should never skip

Seeing How the Heart Responds to Activity

A cardiac stress test evaluates the heart while it works harder. You may walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle while your healthcare team monitors your response.

If you cannot exercise adequately, medication may be used instead. Some stress tests also include ultrasound or nuclear imaging.

The test can help investigate suspected coronary artery disease or certain abnormal heart rhythms. The type of test depends on your symptoms and the clinical question being investigated.

However, a stress test is not a