What is the stress test and what is it used for?
The stress test or ergometry is the functional assessment of the patient or athlete that tries to measure his cardiorespiratory capacity while performing an exercise on an ergometer (device) chosen for this purpose (bicycle, treadmill or others). This diagnostic test serves, on the one hand, to know the physical condition profile of the subject and on the other hand, to see the behavior during the effort, of the different monitored parameters (heart rate, blood pressure, lactate, oxygen consumption, etc…). In this way we are jointly assessing the health and performance of that person.
What pathologies are most frequently detected?
The most common findings are normal or elevated blood pressure at rest and that during exercise have a pathological behavior that differs from the normal physiological response. On the other hand, arrhythmias during exercise or recovery and the existence of findings with suspected myocardial ischemia at certain intensities would be the most common problems.
Why is it important to perform a stress test?
It should always be evaluated in the clinical context of the patient/athlete. The importance of performing it should have an objective and this will vary depending on the characteristics of the subject and expectations.
How is it performed?
There are some general recommendations to go to the stress test that the person must know beforehand. It is performed in more or less stable conditions in a stress test laboratory and with comfortable clothing, and always after an interview and clinical history of the patient. Subsequently and after warming up, we add loads, normally of increasing type, until reaching the intensity of effort that we have previously determined. Once this intensity has been reached, a recovery phase or return to calm is included.
How are the results interpreted?
The results should always be interpreted with caution and always taking into account the current clinical situation, the level of physical activity or training and the objectives/expectations of the subject. The interpretation of the different controlled variables allows us to draw conclusions.
What reports, assessments and final recommendations does the test include?
The report issued afterwards should include data on all the variables monitored and their evolution during the test, as well as detailing the thresholds (aerobic-anaerobic), training zones and personal recommendations.