Certified Rhythm Analysis Technician (CRAT) Practice Exam

What type of ECG is part of cardiac stress testing?

1. Transtelephonic ECG

2. Ambulatory ECG

3. 12-lead ECG

4. Continuous monitoring

The correct answer is: 12-lead ECG

The 12-lead ECG is specifically designed to provide a comprehensive view of the heart's electrical activity from multiple angles, making it the standard choice for cardiac stress testing. During a stress test, the heart is monitored as the patient performs exercise or is subjected to pharmacological stressors. The 12-lead configuration captures vital information about the heart's rhythm, electrical impulses, and any changes that occur under stress, such as ischemia. This detailed monitoring helps healthcare professionals assess the heart’s function during increased physical demands, allowing for better diagnostic accuracy regarding cardiovascular conditions. The 12-lead ECG provides clear data that can indicate abnormalities that might not be detectable with other types of monitoring. In contrast, while the options of transtelephonic ECG, ambulatory ECG, and continuous monitoring have their purposes in different settings, they are not the conventional methods employed specifically for cardiac stress testing. Transtelephonic ECG primarily allows for remote monitoring of heart rhythm; ambulatory ECG captures data over extended periods outside of a clinical setting but is not typically used under stress conditions; and continuous monitoring generally refers to hospital or intensive care settings. These methods lack the immediate and comprehensive analysis needed during physical stress testing, reinforcing why the 12-lead ECG is favored for