The Role of Exercise Stress Testing and ECG Monitoring in Early Detection of Cardiac Abnormalities: A Systematic Review
Keywords:
exercise stress testing, ECG monitoring, cardiac abnormalities, early detection, coronary artery disease, arrhythmia, preventive cardiologyAbstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are still the most common cause of morbidity and mortality in the world, prompting the discovery of early detection strategies which could help in preventing these outcomes. Exercise stress testing (EST) and electrocardiogram (ECG) monitoring are well-established, non-invasive diagnostic methods to evaluate cardiac physiology and identify ischemic alterations at strain conditions. The objective of this systematic review was to assess the sensitivity of EST and ECG monitoring for the identification of cardiac abnormalities such as CAD, arrhythmia, and silent ischemia.
Methods: A literature search was performed on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library databases from years 2000 to 2024. Results show that (when combined with continuous ECG monitoring) the use of EST enhances diagnostic capabilities, risk stratification, and therapeutic interventions. Emerging technologies, including wearable ECG and AI-based analysis of patient data, take early detection, and subsequent surveillance up a notch. Although potentially useful, false positivity rates and a loss of sensitivity in some populations illustrate the need for more individualized assessment and other imaging modalities when indicated. In general, EST and ECG testing occupy an important place in preventive cardiology with non-invasive and inexpensive methods for the early detection and treatment of cardiac abnormalities.
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