Final answer:
A positive stress test is considered abnormal and is an indication of possible heart problems or coronary artery disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
A positive stress test is considered abnormal in the field of medicine. A stress test is conducted to evaluate the heart's response to exercise. During this test, the patient is subjected to physical stress, like walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bike, while their heart rate, blood pressure, and EKG (electrocardiogram) are monitored.
If the stress test shows abnormal changes in the heart's electrical activity or if the patient experiences chest pain, shortness of breath, or other symptoms during the test, it becomes a positive stress test. This is an indication of possible coronary artery disease or other heart problems.
In contrast, a negative stress test is considered normal, indicating that the heart is functioning well during exercise and no major abnormalities have been detected.