Stress tests are generally safe. Some patients may have chest pain or may faint or collapse. A heart attack or dangerous irregular rhythm rarely occurs, but if it does, the patient is in the best position to receive medical attention.
Patients who are likely to have such complications are usually already known to have weak hearts, so they are not given this test.
A stress test is less accurate in young or middle-aged women with symptoms that are not typical of heart disease.
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