Ergometry (load test)

ErgometryAs a rule, ergometry or load test is the first test used in the diagnosis of coronary artery disease (stable angina pectoris).

In addition to people suspected of having certain symptoms, the test is also used in numerous other indications. Thus, the stress test can assess an individual's ability to endure certain physical efforts, either in terms of recreation or rehabilitation (assessment of functional capacity), monitor the movements of arterial blood pressure values and pulse frequency at various levels of stress, in which the examination is irreplaceable. Ergometry is a non-invasive and usually the most accessible method, during which subjects are subjected to a standardized load, either on a treadmill or a bicycle. It is used in people who can withstand moderate or heavy physical load and do not have diseases that prevent them from walking and/or physical activity in general. The diagnostic value of ergometry (sensitivity and specificity) in detecting coronary disease differs between the sexes, and while the test is relatively reliable in men, the diagnostic sensitivity is significantly lower in women.