- The stress test involves exercise using a treadmill or a stationary bike. In patients who are unable to complete a high level of exercise due to physical limitations, stress to the heart is provided by a pharmaceutical or chemical stimulation to the heart. Exercise is started at a slower, warm-up speed and then increased every 3 minutes. Exercise is abruptly stopped once the patient exceeds 85% of the target rate. EKG recordings are made every minute of exercise and then again after exercise is stopped. Blood pressure is recorded at three minute intervals during exercise and then again at rest.