ELI5: Explain Like I'm 5

Stress testing

Imagine you are a big, strong jungle explorer like Indiana Jones. You have to know how much your body can handle before going on your next adventure, right? That's where stress testing comes in.

A stress test is when doctors make you exercise or do something that makes your heart work harder than usual, like running on a small treadmill. They want to see how strong your heart is and if it works properly. They may also hook you up to machines that monitor your heart rate and blood pressure. Think of it like checking to see if your car can go fast without breaking down.

If your heart is healthy, it can handle the stress of the exercise, and you will feel tired but okay. But if your heart is not healthy or is doing something strange, the doctors will notice that right away and figure out what to do next to help you.

Just like how you need to prepare for your jungle adventures, your body needs to be prepared too. Stress testing helps doctors see how prepared your body is for any challenges that may come up.