Exercise Stress Echocardiogram

Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body. It is mainly used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart from narrowing coronary arteries.

A stress echocardiogram (or "stress echo") is a diagnostic test usually used to assess for coronary artery disease but can also be used in assessment of valvular heart disease. It is an ultrasound test performed both at rest and then with the heart under "stress". The stress is achieved by exercising on a treadmill. The test takes around 30 minutes.

If treadmill exercise is being performed some comfortable clothes, exercise shoes and two piece attire should be worn. Access to your chest area is required and you will be provided with a gown.

Your heart rate, blood pressure and heart rhythm will be monitored.

A cardiac sonographer, nurse and cardiologist will be present for your stress echo.

You will have ECG electrodes attached to your body. The sonographer will then take the first set of ultrasound images. This involves ultrasound probe being placed on your chest in various positions with gel to allow for the best images to be captured.

You will then e required to walk on a treadmill according to a specific protocol. The speed and slope of the treadmill will increase according to your level of fitness and heart rate response. Your blood pressure and ECG will be monitored throughout the test.

Once the exercise is complete, you will be quickly guided back to the examination bed for further ultrasound images to be acquired. It is important that this happens whilst your heart rate is elevated.

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