Which test is often used to assess heart function during exercise?

The stress test is commonly utilized to evaluate heart function during exercise, as it specifically measures how well the heart responds to physical stress. During this test, patients typically engage in physical activity, such as walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike, while heart activity is monitored through an electrocardiogram (ECG). This helps in identifying any abnormalities in heart rhythm or function that may not be apparent at rest.

The stress test can provide critical information regarding the heart's performance, including how well it pumps blood and whether there are issues such as ischemia, where parts of the heart muscle are not receiving adequate blood supply. Therefore, the stress test plays a vital role in diagnosing conditions such as coronary artery disease and helps healthcare providers determine appropriate treatment plans.

Other options do not serve this specific purpose. For instance, a CT scan is generally used for imaging anatomy and identifying structural heart conditions rather than evaluating functional performance during activity. A chest X-ray focuses on visualizing the heart and lungs but does not assess functional responses to exercise. A blood test may provide information about various biomarkers related to heart health, but it does not directly evaluate heart function during exercise.