Exercise Electrocardiogram: Results

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Results

An exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) is a test that checks for changes in your heart while you exercise. Your doctor may be able to talk to you about your results right after the test. However, complete test results may take several days.

Normal EKG Illustration of the intervals and components in an EKG

The P wave is a record of the electrical activity through the upper heart chambers (atria).
The QRS complex is a record of the movement of electrical impulses through the lower heart chambers (ventricles).
The ST segment corresponds to the time when the ventricle is contracting but no electricity is flowing through it. The ST segment usually appears as a straight, level line between the QRS complex and the T wave.
The T wave corresponds to the period when the lower heart chambers are relaxing electrically and preparing for their next muscle contraction.

**Exercise electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG)**
Normal:	You reach your target heart rate (based on your age) and can exercise without chest pain or other symptoms of heart disease.
	Your blood pressure increases steadily during exercise.
	Your EKG tracings do not show any significant changes. Your heartbeats look normal.
Abnormal:	You have chest pain during or right after the test.
	You have other symptoms of heart disease, such as dizziness, fainting, or extreme shortness of breath.
	Your blood pressure drops or does not rise during exercise.
	The EKG tracing does not look normal.
	Your heartbeats are too fast, too slow, or very irregular.
	An extra heart sound (third heart sound) or a heart murmur is heard.

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Last updated:	April 21, 2006
Author:	Sydney Youngerman-Cole, RN, BSN, RNC
Reviewed By:	Caroline S. Rhoads, MD - Internal Medicine, George Philippides, MD - Cardiology
Editors:	Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA, Tracy Landauer

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