Stress Test?

  I have read many postings by people who have had stress tests done on them.  I am new to heart problems, so I am unsure of what a stress test is.  Can anyone fill me in?  Also, if I have an echocardiogram, an EKG, blood work, and a stress test is it okay to assume that my PAC's are benign?  Thanks.

[CCF CARDIO MD DLB]

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Dear Aaron
A stress test involves exercising on usually a treadmill or sometimes a bike. While exercising, your heart rate and blood pressure and EKG will be monitored to look for any abnormalities that indicate problems with the heart.
If all the tests you mentioned come back normal, it is very likely that your PACs are benign.
I hope this has been useful. I wish you the best of luck. Feel free to write back.
Information provided here is for general purposes only. Specific questions should be addressed to your own doctor. If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter. The Heart Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.