Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Practice exam

During a stress test, monitoring heart rate and rhythm is crucial for assessing patient safety. As the patient undergoes increased physical exertion, the heart’s response becomes a key indicator of cardiovascular health. An increase in heart rate is expected, reflecting the heart's adaptation to stress.

Additionally, changes in heart rhythm can reveal if there are any underlying arrhythmias or other cardiac issues that may pose risks during physical activity. Close observation allows healthcare providers to identify abnormal changes, such as excessive heart rate elevation, irregular rhythms, or signs of ischemia, ensuring prompt intervention if necessary.

While other parameters like blood glucose levels, respiratory rate, and body temperature can provide valuable information about the patient’s overall condition, they do not directly assess the cardiovascular response to stress like heart rate and rhythm do, making them less critical in the context of a stress test specifically designed for evaluating heart function and safety during exercise.