Preparation for the test.

  • Please wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable rubber-soled shoes for walking on the treadmill.
  • Please do not eat for four (4) hours prior to the exam.
  • Some medicines (such as drugs known as Beta-blockers) work to keep your heart rate from rising normally. You may be asked to withhold a dose or two of these medicines prior to your test. Any other medicines may be taken as you normally do with small sips of water or juice. If you are uncertain if you should take any of your medicines, please contact your doctor.

    • What do the Stress Echo pictures look like?

    In addition to the pictures recorded on a resting Echocardiogram, four one-heartbeat movies are recorded. These same four movies are repeated after exercise allowing your doctor to compare 'resting' pictures next to 'stress' pictures to learn how your heart responds to exercise. Frequently, if areas of your heart are difficult to see clearly, the decision to use Echo Contrast may be made. Echo Contrast information is available here.

    When and how will I learn the results of my test?

    Please check with your doctor's office to find out how the test results will be communicated to you.

    Unable to walk on a treadmill?

    In this circumstance, exercise can be simulated by a medicine known as Dobutamine. Please click this link for more information.

    Links to some additional information sources.

    Patient Information - Cardiac Stress Testing

    The American Society of Echocardiography

    Patient Information - Echocardiography

    About Our Qualifications

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