India, March 28 -- A treadmill stress test reveals how an individual's heart functions during physical activity. It is a medical tool that helps physicians spot anomalies, if any, and decide on a course of treatment.

However, the test has its limitations, and over-reliance can result in serious flaws in diagnosis, explained Dr Sudhir Kumar, MD, DM, a neurologist at Apollo Hospitals in Hyderabad. Taking to X on March 27, he shared a case study to explain how a normal treadmill test result can lull an individual into a false sense of security that can be dangerous later.

Dr Kumar recalled the case of a 55-year-old man who sought medical attention after experiencing intermittent discomfort in his chest. His local physician performed a trea...