The exercise tolerance test is used to determine how efficiently the heart and lungs (the cardiorespiratory sytem) is working. It can be performed on both healthy individuals or on someone who may be suspected of having cardiac disease.
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The test is perfomed by having the subject exercise on a treadmill while being monitored with an ECG and a device that measures the amount of oxygen utilized. The rate for the treadmill is increased during the test untill the subject becomes exhausted or shows signs of distress (if they have a cardiorespiratory disease).
The data obtained is recorded and analyzed to determine the cardiovascular fitness of the subject. Medical personal monitor the test closely should the subject become severly distressed and require medical intervention.