In our medical center “Prima Medica” (m. Kaluzhskaya), such a load is carried out when exercising on a bicycle ergometer – a special device that is similar to an exercise bike. With us you can quickly do an ECG.
What does a stress ECG show?
Bicycle ergometry data allows one to measure exercise tolerance and identify changes under such load.
Coronary heart disease and heart rhythm disturbances are detected, which can also be determined by a cardiologist during a consultation.
The advantage of bicycle ergometry is that it simulates everyday loads.
Preparing for bicycle ergometry
- A day before the stress ECG, you need to stop taking medications (beta blockers, nitrates), but only strictly as prescribed by the doctor.
- It is better not to conduct the study after stress or physical exertion.
- The clothes are light and comfortable.
- Men with significant chest hair need to shave their hair to apply electrodes.
- Three hours before the start of the study you do not need to eat or drink.
Bicycle ergometry procedure
- Electrodes are attached to the chest or a special belt is applied. Blood pressure is measured before and throughout the procedure.
- After recording the ECG at rest, exercise is performed.
- In this case, different research protocols are used, but more often the load is gradually increased after a certain interval. During the entire study, the doctor records an ECG and measures blood pressure.
- The patient informs the cardiologist about unpleasant symptoms and pain.
- The study is stopped when a certain heart rate is reached or if there are changes in the ECG, or if the patient experiences severe pain or fatigue.
- After the procedure is completed, the doctor continues to record an ECG and measure blood pressure for some time (5-10 minutes).