Stress Echocardiogram
A Stress Echocardiogram involves similar elements to an ordinary exercise test and an echocardiogram. It increases the accuracy of the stress test in assessing coronary heart disease and can be used to provide information about valvular disease and pressure in the heart and lungs.
An Echocardiogram typically involves evaluation of the structure and function of the heart valves, chambers and the muscular walls to detect and describe abnormalities of the heart.
An Exercise Treadmill ECG involves recording the electrical activity of your heart (ECG) during physical exercise and attempts to show evidence of coronary artery narrowing of blockages.
Preparing for the test
Do not eat, drink or smoke for two (2) hours before the test. Continue taking all medications unless instructed otherwise.
What to bring with you
You will need to bring the referral letter from your doctor and a list of all current medications.
What does the test involve?
A Stress Echo is made up of three parts; a resting Echo study, Exercise Test and repeat Echo while the heart is still beating fast.
A trained technician performs the test. You will be asked to provide the technician with some information including your height and weight.
Patients will be asked to remove all clothing from their chest, and women will be provided with a grown which will open at the front.
You will be asked to lie on the couch on your left hand side, facing away from the technician. Electrodes will be attached to your chest and torso and the skin will need to be specially prepared beforehand. The skin will be gently abraded with disposable tape, and for men, this may involve shaving some chest hair.
A special hand-held instrument called a transducer will be pressed to your ribs near the sternum, or breast bone. This transducer sends and receives sound waves that have bounced off your heart to display a picture of your moving heart. You may be asked to co-operate during the procedure by varying your position on the couch and breathing in a certain way. You will need to remain still during the examination.
The treadmill will start at a comfortable pace, and will get steeper and faster every 2-3 minutes as the test progresses. This is a walking test – you will not need to run.
You must let us know immediately if you have any type of chest discomfort. This does not mean we will have to stop the test, but we do need to be aware of any symptoms.
You will need to exercise as hard as you can. The decision to end the test is guided by your exercising heart rate, how you feel, and any symptoms you experience.
Immediately after stopping the treadmill you will move directly to the couch and lie on your left side. The Echocardiogram is repeated while the heart rate is still high.
How long does the test take?
The average duration of a Stress Echocardiogram is 45 minutes. A full report is sent to your referring doctor electronically. You should make an appointment to see your doctor.
How will you feel during the test?
There may be some pressure on your chest from the transducer. Some patients may experience chest discomfort with transducer application.
Are there any risks?
Echocardiography uses sound waves to create a picture of the heart. The picture is similar to an X-Ray image, but there is no radiation exposure.
Sunnybank Cardiopulmonary Diagnostic Service follow International protocols for ECG Exercise Testing. While there is always some risk associated with exercise testing we aim to keep these risks to a minimum, your safety is always our priority.