Understanding the Risks of Stress Tests: What to Expect

Stress tests are generally safe, but they can have risks, including:

- Chest pain or discomfort. This is the most common risk of a stress test. It occurs when the heart muscle does not receive enough oxygen during the test. Chest pain usually goes away quickly after the test is stopped.

- Heart attack. A stress test can rarely trigger a heart attack. This is more likely to happen in people who already have heart disease.

- Arrhythmias. A stress test can also cause arrhythmias, or irregular heartbeats. Arrhythmias are usually not serious and go away after the test is stopped.

- Lightheadedness or dizziness. This can occur if you stand up too quickly after the test.

- Nausea.

- Bruising or discomfort at the site where the electrodes were placed.

- Radiation exposure. Stress tests use X-rays to create images of the heart. The amount of radiation used in a stress test is low, but it can still pose a risk of cancer.

The risks of a stress test are small, but they should be discussed with your doctor before the test is performed.