Stress Echocardiogram

Understanding Stress Echocardiograms

A Stress Echocardiogram, also known as Stress Echo, is a specialized cardiovascular test that combines echocardiography with stress testing to evaluate the heart’s function and blood flow under physical exertion. This non-invasive procedure involves the use of ultrasound imaging to create detailed images of the heart before and after exercise, providing valuable information on cardiac performance and detecting potential heart conditions.

Key Benefits:

1. Comprehensive Assessment: Obtain a detailed evaluation of your heart’s structure and function during stress conditions for a thorough cardiac assessment.
2. Dynamic Imaging: Benefit from real-time imaging of the heart’s response to exercise, allowing for precise analysis of cardiac function.
3. Diagnostic Accuracy: Achieve accurate and reliable results to detect coronary artery disease, abnormal heart rhythms, and other cardiac abnormalities.
4. Personalized Care: Receive tailored recommendations and treatment plans based on your Stress Echocardiogram results to support your heart health.

What to Expect:

A resting echocardiogram will be done first. While you lie on your left side with your left arm out, a small device called a transducer is held against your chest. A special gel is used to help the ultrasound waves get to your heart.

Most people will walk on a treadmill (or pedal on an exercise bicycle). Slowly (about every 3 minutes), you will be asked to walk (or pedal) faster and on an incline. It is like being asked to walk fast or jog up a hill.

In most cases, you will need to walk or pedal for around 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your level of fitness and your age. Your doctor will ask you to stop:

1. When your heart is beating at the target rate
2. When you are too tired to continue
3. If you are having chest pain or a change in your blood pressure that worries the provider administering the test

If you are not able to exercise, you will get a drug such as dobutamine through a vein (intravenous line). This medicine will make your heart beat faster and harder, similar to when you exercise.

Your blood pressure and heart rhythm (ECG) will be monitored throughout the procedure.

More echocardiogram images will be taken while your heart rate is increasing, or when it reaches its peak. The images will show whether any parts of the heart muscle do not work as well when your heart rate increases. This is a sign that part of the heart may not be getting enough blood or oxygen because of narrowed or blocked arteries.

Why Choose Us?

Our clinic specializes in Stress Echocardiography, offering a blend of advanced imaging technology and expert cardiovascular care. Trust us to deliver precise and compassionate services to help you proactively manage your heart health and well-being.