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Stress test

A stress test, or exercise ECG, is a diagnostic examination in which the heart’s electrical activity (ECG) and blood pressure are monitored during physical exertion, performed on either a stationary bicycle (cycle ergometer) or a treadmill. The test helps identify impairments in the heart’s blood supply that may not be apparent at rest, and allows assessment of cardiac capacity and the development of rhythm disturbances under exertion.

Text reviewed by specialist:

dr Andreas Abel

General practitioner

Published

Text updated

When to see a specialist

  • Chest pain or discomfort during physical exertion
  • Shortness of breath during physical exertion
  • Suspected coronary artery disease
  • Heart rhythm disorders during exertion
  • Assessment of cardiac capacity
  • Assessment of the effectiveness of treatment for high blood pressure
  • Assessment of cardiovascular risk factors
  • Pre-operative cardiac evaluation

Common symptoms

  • Dizziness or fainting

    Particularly if associated with physical activity.

  • High blood pressure

    Elevated blood pressure is an important cardiovascular risk factor.

  • Palpitations or irregular heartbeat

    If you feel your heart is beating too fast, too slowly, or irregularly.

  • Shortness of breath

    During exertion, at rest, or when lying down.

How to prepare for your appointment

  • Inform your doctor of all medications you are taking. Some may need to be temporarily stopped before the examination.
  • Do not eat or drink (other than water) for 2–3 hours before the test. Avoid coffee, energy drinks, and smoking on the day of the examination.
  • Wear comfortable sportswear and footwear suitable for physical activity.
  • Think through any questions you may have and raise them with your doctor before the procedure.
  • Make sure you are adequately rested before the examination.

What to expect during your appointment

Reception and preparation

You will be welcomed and the procedure will be explained to you. ECG electrodes are attached to your chest and a blood pressure cuff to your arm.

Resting ECG

Before the test begins, a resting ECG is recorded and your blood pressure is measured.

Exercise phase

You will begin cycling on the ergometer or walking on the treadmill. The intensity is increased gradually at set intervals.

Monitoring

Throughout the examination, your ECG, blood pressure, and general condition are monitored continuously. Please inform the doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness.

End of test

The test is concluded once the target heart rate is reached, significant ECG changes or symptoms occur, or you are no longer able to continue.

Recovery

After the exercise phase ends, you will be monitored for a period until your ECG and blood pressure return to normal.

Results

We will analyse the data collected and provide you with feedback on the findings.

Specialists providing this service

Payment & Appointment Info

Prices

Tallinn

Special care
Service Price
Electrocardiography exercise test (exercise test on a cycle ergometer) The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 99 €

Everywhere else in Estonia

Special care
Service Price
Electrocardiography exercise test (exercise test on a cycle ergometer) The need for and suitability of the procedure will be assessed during a prior consultation with a specialist in Meliva, and the decision to proceed will be made jointly with the specialist. 99 €
Payment methods

With a doctor’s referral, Meliva Health Insurance covers this service under Outpatient Care coverage. Check your personal coverage limits in the ERGO app.

The service at Tartu Kvartal clinic is funded by the Health Insurance Fund based on a referral. To book an appointment funded by the Health Insurance Fund, please call +372 605 1500 or write to klienditugi@meliva.ee.

A visit fee may be added to the cost of treatment. Familiarize yourself with Meliva’s policy on charging visit fees.

Referral

You can book this service as a self-paying patient without a doctor’s referral.

Who is this appointment for?

The stress test is intended for diagnosing coronary artery disease and other cardiac conditions in adults.

Referral is made by a doctor.

The stress test has certain contraindications (e.g. acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, severe heart failure). The doctor will assess your overall health to determine whether the test is safe for you.

Clinics offering this service

Related services

  • Blood pressure monitoring
    24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring measures blood pressure at regular intervals throughout the day and night, including during everyday acti

  • Cardiologist’s appointment
    A cardiologist is a specialist in heart and cardiovascular diseases who diagnoses, treats, and helps prevent cardiac conditions.

  • Echocardiography
    Echocardiography, or cardiac ultrasound, is a method for assessing the structure and function of the heart.

  • Holter monitoring (24-hour ECG monitoring)
    Holter monitoring is an ECG recording lasting up to 48 hours that captures the heart’s electrical activity during everyday activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a stress test?

A stress test assesses how the heart performs under physical exertion by monitoring the ECG and blood pressure, in order to detect impairments in the heart’s blood supply.

Is a stress test painful?

The test itself is not painful. The purpose of the examination is precisely to assess whether symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath, or chest pain occur during physical exertion.

How long does a stress test take?

The active exercise phase typically lasts 10–15 minutes, but including preparation and recovery, the total appointment takes approximately 45–60 minutes.

What does a stress test show?

A stress test shows whether the heart muscle receives adequate blood flow during exertion, whether rhythm disturbances or blood pressure changes occur, and what the heart’s overall functional capacity is.

Do I need a referral for a stress test?

Yes, a referral is required, as this is a specific diagnostic examination whose necessity is determined by a doctor.