Which test should be done to ascertain the health of your heart? Most people would pick the ECG or Electrocardiogram test, which studies the electrical activity of the heart, including the rate and rhythm. However, according to one of the leading cardiac surgeons, the ECG is the most useless test. “There are a lot of misconceptions. If they have a heart problem, many patients opt for an ECG. ECG is the most useless for detecting heart diseases. It is because ECG shows you the change only when you are in pain or if you had a heart attack earlier. But if you have a critical block with no pain, it won’t be able to show you anything. So, don’t rely on ECG. To check for heart disease, we recommend a stress test,” cardiac surgeon Dr Ramakanta Panda told foodpharmer aka Revant Himatsingka on his podcast.Other cardiothoracic experts also agreed. “An ECG measures the electrical activity of the resting heart. Although useful for discovering rhythm disturbances or a previous heart attack, it won’t depict decreased blood flow to the heart if the patient is not currently in distress,” said Dr Saumya Sekhar Jenasamant, Consultant Cardiothoracic & Vascular Surgeon, KIMS Hospitals, Thane.How does a stress test give more clarity?A stress test, also known as a treadmill test, is often used to assess how well the heart functions during physical activity. “While an ECG records the heart’s rhythm when a person is at rest, a stress test shows how the heart responds when it has to work harder,” said Dr Rahul Gupta, director – Cardiologist, Gleneagles Hospital, Parel, Mumbai.The most common being while walking on a treadmill or pedalling a stationary bike. “When your body is active, if the coronary arteries are blocked, the heart muscle does not receive adequate blood flow. This manifests as alterations in the tracing on an ECG, shortness of breath, chest pain, or tiredness during the test. Thus, a stress test literally reveals problems that lie in wait when the heart is resting,” explained Dr Jenasamant.The stress test can help detect reduced blood flow to the heart, irregular rhythms, or signs of blocked arteries. “This makes it useful in identifying early risks of heart disease, especially in people who have symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath during exertion,” said Dr Gupta. Are you stressed? (Photo: Freepik)Who should undergo a stress test?Story continues below this adAccording to Dr Jenasamant, individuals with risk factors such as diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, smoking, or a history of heart disease in the family can benefit.“It is highly recommended for patients who report chest discomfort on exertion, unexplained shortness of breath, or decreased exercise tolerance. Physicians might also recommend it prior to some major surgeries or for competitive athletes wishing to check their heart health,” said Dr Jenasamant.What should patients remember?Stress test: A stress test is safe if conducted under supervision. “It must be done, however, on a doctor’s recommendation, who will determine if it is suitable for the age of the patient, symptoms, and medical history. For certain patients, advanced imaging tests might be advised instead,” said Dr Jenasamant.Also Read | ‘I was in the hospital with a blood pressure of 200/90. They said it was a panic attack or stress. Went back to the doctor two months later and it was still high. Can stress cause high BP?’However, it is not a perfect tool, said Dr Gupta, adding that the test may miss very early disease, and sometimes it can show abnormal results even when the heart is healthy. “Doctors often combine stress tests with other tests for a clearer picture. It is necessary to seek timely intervention if the tests show any irregularities,” said Dr Gupta. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Revant Himatsingka (@rethinkindiaofficial)Why is early detection so important?Story continues below this adHeart disease usually develops without symptoms. “By detecting diminished blood flow early, physicians can act with changes in lifestyle, medications, or additional tests before a catastrophic event such as a heart attack happens,” said Dr Jenasamant.DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.