Final answer:
An ECG, useful for graded exercise testing, is also called a stress test. It records the heart's electrical activity through electrodes on the chest and provides a comprehensive view of the heart's function under stress. Advanced ECGs can be portable and integrated into wearable technology for continuous monitoring.
Step-by-step explanation:
An ECG is useful for graded exercise testing. This is also referred to as stress testing or cardiac stress test. The electrocardiogram, or ECG, is a record of the voltages created by the wave of depolarization and subsequent repolarization in the heart. By placing electrodes on the chest, the electrical activity of the heart can be monitored and recorded, which is crucial during stress testing as it shows how the heart functions under physical stress.
The standard electrocardiograph uses multiple leads to obtain comprehensive information about the heart's electrical activity. A typical 12-lead ECG provides a detailed view of the heart muscle's function, and changes compared to previous ECGs can indicate subtle or gradual damage to the heart.
Today's ECG technology is advanced enough that devices can be portable or even incorporated into wearable technology, allowing for continuous monitoring.