An exercise stress test is a medical procedure used to assess how well the heart functions during physical activity. During the test, a patient typically walks on a treadmill or pedals a stationary bike while their heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are monitored. This helps doctors evaluate the heart's response to increased workload. The test can help identify various heart conditions, such as coronary artery disease or arrhythmias. It is often recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath, or for those undergoing pre-operative assessments.