Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram incorporates cardiac stress testing with echocardiographic imaging. A cardiac stress is an exercise tolerance test designed to increase an individual's heart rate - to "stress" the heart while hooked up to an EKG. This is performed and monitored by a medical professional who is looking for any abnormalities that suggest the presence of heart disease. The test is used to detect certain abnormalities, to monitor patients with known heart disease and to check the effectiveness of treatment or surgery.

You will be interviewed and prepared for your stress test. Electrode patches will be placed on your chest. You will have a baseline EKG done and your blood pressure will be checked. Any questions that you have will be answered.

Prior to exercise an echocardiogram will be performed acquiring 4 images of your heart.

An echocardiogram (ECHO) is an ultrasound of your heart. The heart is viewed on a screen with the use of a transducer and ultrasound gel. The study is recorded on a video tape.

The transducer is a small probe that emits sound waves. The sound waves travel through the gel to your heart and create a picture of your heart on the video screen.

The ECHO allows the cardiologist to determine the following how well the heart is pumping, blood flow, valve structure & heart size.

Following the echocardiogram you will begin to exercise on the treadmill. The purpose of the test is to gradually increase your heart rate.

It is important that you report any chest pain, chest pressure, shortness of breath, pain in your arms or neck, tiredness or any other discomfort you may feel while performing the test.

The test is geared to your age, health status, and ability. Your test may be terminated at any time.

Immediately after exercise another echocardiogram will be taken of your heart. During this time there will continued monitoring of your EKG and vital signs.

Upon completion of the study, a cardiologist will interpret the results. A report will be forwarded to your cardiologist and primary care physician. Unless otherwise instructed, you should make an appointment with your cardiologist or physician to discuss the results of the test.

The exercise test may cause (in some people): skipped heart beats, chest pain, in very rare instances; a heart attack, in extremely rare instances; death. These occurrences are extremely rare. Every effort is made to avoid or minimize these occurrences. Personnel and equipment are readily available if such an event should occur.

MEDICATIONS

-Your physician will instruct you as to which medication(s) need to be stopped and for

how long.

-Certain drugs on the day of the test may interfere with the results.

PREPARATION

- Do not consume any caffeine 24 hours prior to the test.

For a list of products containing caffeine click here.

- Nothing to eat, drink, or smoke 4 hours prior to your test.

- Wear comfortable clothes (sweat suit, shorts, loose fitting slacks or shirt).

- Wear comfortable shoes (sneaker or good walking shoes).

- Bathe or shower prior to undergoing the test as the skin needs to be free of oils where

the electrode patches are placed for the EKG.

- Do not use bath or body oil, lotion or powder. (Deodorant is allowed).

- Please bring a list of all the medications that you currently take, including dosage(s) and

how often you take them.

- Your test will take approximately 1 hour an will completed during one visit.