What is a common outcome following a positive stress test?

A positive stress test typically indicates that the heart experiences symptoms or abnormal responses when stressed, which can be indicative of underlying cardiovascular issues. This result can lead to an increased risk of arrhythmias, as the heart's rhythm may become unstable under stress due to the presence of coronary artery disease or other cardiac conditions.

When the heart is subjected to the physical demands of exercise testing, it may reveal problems that are not apparent at rest. This can include ischemic changes on the electrocardiogram or the onset of symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, which are associated with higher likelihoods of arrhythmic events. Clinically, this means that the individual may be monitored more closely for abnormal heart rhythms post-test, and further evaluation may be warranted, often leading to more invasive tests or treatments to assess and manage any identified risks.

In contrast, the options that suggest increased exercise tolerance or a decreased need for follow-up would not align with the implications of a positive stress test, as patients may actually face limitations in exercise capacity and require careful monitoring. The notion of immediate surgery following a positive test is also not typical; rather, further diagnostic steps are generally needed before surgical intervention is considered.