What is a Stress Echocardiogram?

A stress Echocardiogram is a non-invasive test that combines 2 tests - a treadmill stress test and an echocardiogram.  The echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart which enables us to visualize the heart valves, blood flow through the valves, and size and structure of the heart.

What does this test show?

If there are any abnormalities in heart function after exercise, this may be due to a blocked artery or CAD.  This information is useful to your doctor to help establish a diagnosis and guide your treatment. 

What do I have to do to prepare for the test?

• Nothing to eat for 4 hours prior, with the exception of water.

• Ask your doctor about adjusting insulin and food intake if you are a diabetic.

• Do not apply lotions or oils to your body.

• Wear loose comfortable clothing and sneakers with rubber soles.  No flip flops, sandals or open toe shoes.

What can I expect before, during, and after the test?

A Stress Echocardiogram is performed by a cardiologist who will be assisted by a technician called an echocardiographer.  Echocardiographers have received special training in operating echo equipment and ensure that the most detailed pictures of your heart are obtained.  The doctor and the echocardiographer will explain the test and answer any questions you may have.

The echocardiographer will place electrodes on your chest to monitor your      heart rate and rhythm throughout the test.  First the echo will be done at rest while you lie on the exam table.  Immediately following, you will begin to walk on the treadmill.  The treadmill normally gets faster and steeper approximately every 3 minutes. 

You will be exercising until the doctor says you have done enough or you indicate that you have done enough.  If you experience any chest pain, shortness of breath or you become too tired, tell the doctor and the treadmill exercise will be stopped.

When the treadmill is stopped, you will then lie down on the exam table and the second echo will be immediately performed.  This is done to visualize heart functioning after exercise. The test usually  takes anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 hour. 

If you are unable to walk on the treadmill, your doctor may order a stress echo with a special medicine called Dobutamine.  Dobutamine is a medicine that gradually increases your heart rate, which eliminates the need for exercise.

In some patients, when a good quality echo cannot be obtained, the doctor may administer an intravenous medication to improve your pictures.  The doctor will  discuss this will you if it is necessary.  Test results are given that day.

Medication Instruction Sheet for Stress Echocardiogram

To make your stress echo is as accurate as possible, we ask that you do not take the following medications the evening prior or the day your test is scheduled:

Do NOT take any beta-blockers.                                                                           

These include:

• Toprol-XL
• Lopressor (Metoprolol)
• Tenormin
• Inderal
• Corgard
• Coreg

Do NOT take any calcium channel blockers that slow the heart rate.        

These include:

• Cardizem CD
• Cardizem LA
• Calan
• Calan SR
• Verelan (Verapamil)
• Tiazac

For patients with certain arrhythmias, poorly controlled hypertension or severely blocked arteries, holding your medications may not be advisable.  Please check with your cardiologist before your stress echo.