A method of examining the ability of an individual’s heart (cardiovascular system) to handle exercise. The individual is first examined at rest in order to determine the base electrocardiogram, heart rate, blood pressure, and symptoms, and then the individual walks on a treadmill while the same information is collected during the exercise. The test was developed at Duke University. It is important that the exercise and observations be standardized, and a “protocol” for standardization (i.e., requirements as to degree of exercise, duration, and so on) has been developed. The most frequently used protocol is that developed by Bruce. The result of the test is expressed as a treadmill exercise score.