Risks

A stress test is generally safe. Complications are rare. Possible complications of an exercise stress test are:

• Low blood pressure. Your blood pressure may drop during or immediately after exercise, possibly causing you to feel dizzy or faint. The problem should go away after you stop exercising.
• Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias). Arrhythmias that occur during an exercise stress test usually go away soon after you stop exercising.
• Heart attack (myocardial infarction). Although very rare, it's possible that an exercise stress test could cause a heart attack.