What is a Stress Echo?

A Stress Echocardiogram (commonly known as a 'Stress Echo') is an ultrasound test of the heart (Echocardiogram) performed in combination with a Treadmill Exercise Test (also known as a Stress Test). For this test, an echocardiogram is performed at rest, followed by treadmill exercise. At peak exercise, some of the echocardiogram pictures are quickly repeated for comparison with the resting pictures. This enable the cardiologist to see how your heart reacts to exercise.

What To Expect.

For your test you will be asked to remove all garments from the waist up. Ladies (and gentlemen upon request) will be given a gown with which to cover-up. Prior to a resting echocardiogram, wires will be attached to electrodes on your chest to allow monitoring of your heart during the Stress Test portion. After the resting Echo, exercise on a treadmill is performed until your heart reaches a predetermined maximum heart rate (or until cannot go on). More Echo pictures are then taken after you quickly lie down.

What a Stress Echo shows.

Some of the many things your doctor may have ordered your Stress Echo to learn about include:

  • the size of your heart
  • the pumping strength of your heart
  • any heart valve problems you might have
  • any fluid you might have around your heart
  • if you might have had any abnormality of
        your heart at birth
  • if you have Coronary Artery Disease
        (blockages of blood vessels to your heart)
  • or if your doctor knows you have a problem,
        to follow-up on that problem

    • Is a Stress Echo safe?

    A small amount of risk is exists with the exercise portion of the test since it stresses your heart. Experienced personnel will be with you during all parts of your exam to handle any emergency that might arise.

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