Your doctor just ordered a stress echocardiogram. Now what?
It's normal to have questions about this, or any, diagnostic test. If this is
your first echocardiogram experience, take a look at what you need to know
about a stress echo.
Both of these tests use an ultrasound machine to create
images of your heart and surrounding blood vessels. Even though the imaging
part is the same, the two tests do have some major differences. These include:
- Activity.
A simple cardiac ultrasound involves using sound waves to take a picture
of your heart and surrounding blood vessels. A stress echo requires
activity before the imaging test.
- Monitoring.
Before the actual echo, the person administering the test will monitor
your heart rate and blood pressure. This is done while engaging in
activity such as riding a stationary bike or using a treadmill.
- Testing.
A regular echocardiogram (without the stress test) looks at how the heart
functions during normal rest periods. The stress echo test looks at how
much blood and oxygen your heart gets during exercise or heavy physical
activity.
Talk to your doctor about which echocardiogram you'll need
before going in for imagining. There are some special preparation steps you may
need to take, depending on which test you'll have.
A stress echo is a non-invasive test - meaning the test is
done on the outside of your body. Again, the echocardiogram uses sound waves.
This means it's painless and doesn't require anesthesia. Even though you won't
need to prep in the same way you would for an invasive procedure, you should
still do these things before your test:
- Don't
smoke. The nicotine in cigarettes can speed up your heart, interfering
with the test's results.
- Don't
drink caffeine. Like nicotine, caffeine also speeds up the heart.
Avoid beverages such as coffee, tea (herbal is acceptable), soda, energy
drinks, and some sports drinks.
- Don't
eat chocolate. Chocolate also contains caffeine. Even though chocolate
typically doesn't contain caffeine in as high concentrations as coffee or
soda, it's best to avoid it in the hours before your stress echo.
- Ask
about medications. Some medications may interfere with the test
results. Never stop taking prescribed medications without talking to your
doctor. But discuss what is and isn't acceptable to take before your test
with your medical provider.
Along with knowing what to avoid, you also need to know what
to do - and what to wear. You'll need clothes that allow you to exercise
comfortably. Choose loose-fitting clothing or work-out gear.
This imaging test helps the doctor to understand how your
heart and blood vessels work - especially during activity. A variety of
cardiac-related symptoms could lead healthcare physicians to consider this type
of test for their patients. Some of the most common include:
- Chest
pain with activity. You're working out at the gym, playing a league
sport, or engaging in another type of physical activity when your chest
starts to hurt. A stress echo shows the doctor how your heart reacts to activity,
helping them to diagnose a possible problem.
- Shortness
of breath. Unexplained shortness of breath, especially with activity,
is another possible reason for ordering a stress echo.
- Cardiac
risk factors. The doctor may order this type of test of you have
cardiac symptoms/conditions such as high cholesterol or high blood
pressure along with unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, or
dizziness.
If you're not sure why the doctor ordered the test, ask.
It's important to understand why you need a stress echo and what the results
may mean for your health and healthcare routine.
Do you need a stress echocardiogram? Contact Anderson
Heart & Vascular, PC
for more
information.
