The submaximal treadmill test is used to examine the cardiovascular health of athletes and those who may have heart disease. Also referred to as stress tests or tolerance tests, submaximal tests are used to examine an athlete’s aerobic capabilities and to screen for possible heart or lung problems.

Though you don't have to study for a stress test, you should prepare your body as much as possible. A stress test is used to evaluate the mechanics and functionality of your heart.

A treadmill test, also known as an exercise stress test, an exercise tolerance test, an exercise EKG or an exercise electrocardiogram, is usually requested by your doctor to provide information on how your heart responds to exercise.

Stress tests offer medical professionals a means to detect signs that you may have coronary artery disease or an arrhythmia. Analyzing the results of your test is best left to a cardiologist. You and your cardiologist can discuss what they mean, because a positive stress test may not be definitive.

A stress test is a clinical standard often used to detect coronary artery disease. Traditionally, this test is performed on the treadmill. Modern advances in technology allow physicians to administer it without making the patient do any physical work, via chemical means.