Certified Cardiographic Technician (CCT) Practice Exam 2025 - Free CCT Practice Questions and Study Guide

A positive stress test indicates that ischemia is present. During a stress test, the patient's heart is monitored while they exercise or are given medication that simulates exercise. The test evaluates how well the heart responds to stress. If the test is deemed positive, it means that there are abnormalities in the heart's response, often suggesting that there may be insufficient blood flow to certain areas of the heart muscle, indicative of ischemia. Ischemia occurs when blood flow (and thus oxygen) is restricted, typically due to blockages in the coronary arteries.

The distinction is important because while ischemia suggests a heightened risk for conditions like angina or heart attacks, it does not necessarily confirm an infarction, which refers to tissue death resulting from prolonged ischemia. Therefore, a positive result is associated specifically with the presence of ischemia, reflecting the heart's inability to receive adequate blood supply during increased demand.