|
What is an Echocardiogram Stress Test?
An Echocardiogram Stress Test (Stress Echo) is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with a stress test. A
Stress Echo looks at how the heart functions when it is made to work harder. The
Stress Echo is identical to the stress exercise test, except, an Echocardiogram is performed before and after you exercise.
The Stress Echo is especially useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease and the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle).
What does the test show?
An Echocardiogram stress test is performed to evaluate the function of your heart, mainly your left ventricle (main pumping chamber) when the heart is under stress. This test can help evaluate the following:
- Your risk for coronary artery disease.
- If the symptoms you are experiencing (i.e., chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, palpitations, lightheadedness, etc.) are caused by a blockage to your heart or other heart conditions.
- It can help detect heart problems that may not be present at rest.
- It is used for cardiac clearance before surgery or other procedure.
- If you have already been diagnosed with coronary heart disease, a stress test may enable the doctor to estimate the severity of the blockages.
- If you have just undergone balloon angioplasty or bypass surgery, a stress test can help monitor the success of the procedure as well as determine an appropriate rehabilitation program for you.
Normally, all areas of the heart muscle pump more vigorously during exercise. If an area of the heart muscle does not pump as it should with exercise, this often indicates that it is not receiving enough blood because of a blocked or narrowed artery. The Stress Echo shows areas of the heart muscle that do not receive an adequate blood supply. However, it does not provide images of the actual coronary arteries.
How do I prepare for the test?
- Do not eat, drink or smoke for 4 hours prior to the test. Sips of water are permitted. This will help prevent the possibility of nausea and vomiting which may accompany vigorous exercise after eating. If you are a diabetic, please call the testing center for special instructions.
- Continue taking all medications except beta blockers (see list below) unless instructed otherwise by a nurse or physician (may take with water). Hold beta blockers for 24 hours. Beta blockers include: Betapace (Sotalol), Cartol, Inderal (Propranolol), Sectral (Acebutolol), Toprol (Metoprolol), Blocadren (Timolol), Coreg (Carvidilol), Lopressor(Metoprolol), Tenormin (Atenolol), Zebeta or Ziac (Bisoprolol), Brevibloc (Esmolol), Corgard (Nadolol), Normodyne (Labetalol), Tenoretic.
- Bring a current medication list, including dose (MG) and frequency.
- No strenuous activity before or after your test. No jogging or other workout that day.
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes suitable for exercising. Do not apply lotion to your chest the morning of the test.
Where is the test performed?
In the Non-Invasive Cardiology Testing Center, Cardiac Rehab Facility or in your doctor’s office.
How long does this test take?
Approximately 1 hour or more
|
