Who this assessment is for

A Stress ECG (Exercise ECG) is useful when we need to assess how your heart responds during physical exertion rather than at rest.

It may be appropriate for:

• Patients experiencing chest discomfort, shortness of breath, palpitations, dizziness, or unusual fatigue during activity.

• Patients with cardiovascular risk factors such as high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, smoking history, or a family history of heart disease.

• Individuals wanting a more detailed cardiovascular assessment before returning to exercise or increasing training intensity.

• Patients with symptoms that are not explained by a resting ECG alone.

Unlike a resting ECG, which provides a brief snapshot while you are lying still, a Stress ECG allows us to assess the heart while it is working harder under controlled conditions.

What to expect during your visit

Your assessment is performed in-practice under doctor supervision using our medical-grade ECG bicycle ergometer.

Your appointment includes:

• A review of your symptoms, medical history, medications, and cardiovascular risk factors.

• Resting blood pressure and baseline ECG assessment.

• Gradual exercise testing while your ECG, heart rhythm, heart rate, and blood pressure are continuously monitored.

• Assessment of exercise tolerance, cardiovascular response, and recovery after exertion.

• Doctor interpretation and discussion of the findings.

• Guidance regarding any recommended follow-up investigations, monitoring, or specialist referral if required.

The test is carefully supervised throughout and adjusted according to your fitness level, symptoms, and clinical needs.

Why this assessment matters

Some heart-related concerns only become apparent when the cardiovascular system is placed under stress.

A Stress ECG can help us:

• Assess symptoms that occur during exertion.

• Evaluate exercise tolerance and cardiovascular fitness.

• Identify abnormal heart rhythm or blood pressure responses during activity.

• Assess overall cardiovascular risk in the appropriate clinical context.

• Provide reassurance when symptoms are not related to significant underlying cardiac disease.

Importantly, Stress ECG testing forms part of a broader clinical assessment and is interpreted alongside your history, examination findings, and overall risk profile.

A thoughtful, practical approach

At Peak Family Practice, we aim to provide thorough, evidence-based assessment in a calm and supportive environment.

Our bicycle-based Stress ECG system allows for controlled, gradual testing with continuous monitoring throughout the assessment, while keeping the process comfortable and medically supervised.