Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram is used to obtain ultrasound pictures of your heart at rest and immediately after exercise. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to produce images of the heart. This test allows your doctor to see how well your heart is squeezing and to identify abnormalities with the heart muscle and valves.

There is no special preparation for this test. You will be asked to undress from the waist up. You will then be covered with a gown and asked to lie slightly on your left side. EKG electrodes will be connected to your chest. Using a small amount of ultrasound gel and a transducer placed over and around your heart, images are obtained. You may be asked to take deep breaths, and sometimes the transducer must be held firmly against your chest. This may cause a little discomfort but produces the best pictures of your heart.

You will then be asked to walk on a treadmill to increase your heart rate. If you are unable to walk on a treadmill, you may get a medication injected into your vein that increases your heart rate. Once your target heart rate is achieved, you will lie down on the stretcher again and the echocardiogram is repeated.

THIS TEST TAKES APPROXIMATELY AN HOUR. WHEN YOU ARRIVE FOR THIS PROCEDURE, PLEASE BRING THE FOLLOWING ITEMS WITH YOU:

  • All your current medications in their original containers

  • Your current picture ID

  • Your current insurance card

 

ON THE DAY OF YOUR PROCEDURE, PLEASE FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

  • You may have a light meal four hours prior to your test. Absolutely NO caffeine for 24 hours prior to your test.

  • Please DO NOT take your medications the morning of your test but do bring them with you.

  • Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes. Please no one-piece garments such as full slips, overalls, or dresses.

  • To keep our equipment running appropriately, temperatures in the building must be a little on the cool side. Please bring a light sweater or jacket with you.