Why is a stress echocardiogram performed?
The test is used to:
- Determine how well your heart tolerates activity
- Evaluate the function of your heart and valves
- Determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan
What is the procedure of this stress echocardiogram?
Your provider may give you an ECG test because you have:
- The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (EKG) monitor that charts your heart’s electrical activity during the test.
- Before you start exercising, the sonographer will perform a resting EKG, measure your resting heart rate and take your blood pressure.
- After the echo test, you will exercise on a treadmill or stationary cycle.
- At regular intervals, the lab personnel will ask how you are feeling.
- The lab personnel will watch for any changes on the EKG monitor that suggest the test should be stopped.
- When you cannot exercise any longer, you will get off the treadmill, quickly return to the exam table and lie on your left side so the sonographer can perform another echocardiogram.
- After the test, you will walk slowly for a few minutes to cool down. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and EKG will continue to be monitored until the levels are returning to normal.