A stress echocardiogram shows how your heart works when it is under physical stress. It combines an echocardiogram with exercise, usually walking on a treadmill, to see how your heart responds to increased activity.
Images of your heart are taken before and immediately after exercise using ultrasound. By comparing these images, your doctor can see how well your heart muscle is pumping and how blood flows through the heart during activity.
The purpose of this test
- Diagnose if you have coronary artery disease or are at risk of getting coronary artery disease.
- Determine how likely it is that your condition will get worse.
- Determine if you have any other conditions related to your heart and blood flow.
How to Prepare for Your Test
- Do not eat or drink for 3 to 4 hours before your test. Small sips of water are allowed.
- Wear comfortable clothing and walking or running shoes.
- Your doctor may advise you to stop certain heart medications before the test. Follow the instructions provided to you.
- Bring a list of your current medications.
What to Expect During the Test
- Resting images of your heart will be taken first.
- You will then walk on a treadmill or bike protocol, with speed and incline gradually increasing.
- Your heart rhythm, heart rate, and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test.
- Immediately after exercise, repeat images of your heart will be taken.
- The appointment usually takes 60 to 90 minutes.
