Stress Echocardiogram

Background

What is a Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echo is an imaging test that uses ultrasound to show how well your heart works during the stress of exercise. This test is used to diagnose the presence or absence of coronary artery disease.

In the first part of the test, a specialist member of the HeartCheck team will perform an echocardiogram (ECG), using an ultrasound machine. An ECG checks how your heart functions.

Stress Echo

In the second part of the test, your heart is exercised or ‘stressed’. You will walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike. An ECG will be performed at rest, then during low, moderate and peak levels of exercise. For example, the speed and slope of the treadmill will increase every few minutes to make your heart do more work. The test will be stopped if you have chest pain, become very tired or very short of breath (puffed).

When your heart is working as hard as possible, you stop exercising and quickly lie down on the bed. More echocardiogram pictures are taken. The whole stress echo test usually takes approximately 60 to 75 minutes.

The Process

You will be asked to:

  • show how breathless you are and how tired you feel.

  • tell us if you have chest pain, dizziness or discomfort during the test.

Our skilled Imaging Cardiologists review all sonography scans to ensure best practise and an excellent collaborative service. The results will be sent to your GP or referring medical specialist.

Step by Step Explaination of a Stress Echo

  1. A technologist or sonographer will explain the test to you, take a brief medical history, and answer any questions you may have. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be monitored before, during, and after the test.

  2. Adhesive electrodes will be applied to your chest to monitor and record ECG signals.

  3. Some stress echo scans require the use of a substance called a contrast agent. The contrast agent helps to improve image quality.

  4. A technologist or nurse will insert an intravenous (IV) line into a vein in one of your arms.

  5. The sonographer will apply some gel to a small ultrasound probe, position it on the left side of your chest, and will take several resting images of your heart.

  6. Your resting blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be recorded.

  7. You will undergo a stress test on the treadmill or bike.

  8. You will be monitored throughout the test. If a problem occurs, the technologist will stop the test right away. It is very important for you to tell the technologist if you experience any symptoms, such as chest pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath, or extreme fatigue.

  9. Echo images of the heart will be recorded by the sonographer throughout the test.

  10. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be monitored for 3 to 6 minutes after exercise.

  11. The data will be reviewed by a cardiologist after the test is completed. A report will be sent to the doctor(s) involved in your care.