What is The Test?
A stress echocardiogram combines a treadmill stress test with an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of your heart. During a stress echocardiogram, ultrasound images of your heart are obtained at rest and again immediately after the treadmill stress test. These resting and post-exercise images and compared to determine if coronary artery disease is present.
Patient Preparation
There is no preparation for this exam.
What to Expect
Once in the testing room, we will ask you to sign a consent form to give us permission for the testing. You will be asked to remove your shirt and lie on the table on your left side. The initial resting echocardiogram is performed. The technologist will apply warm gel to your chest and use the transducer to create pictures of your heart on the ultrasound machine. The technologist will take several pictures and videos of your heart as measurements are obtained and your blood flow is checked. Four pre-exercise pictures will then be obtained. Once the four pre-exercise pictures are obtained, you will be connected to the treadmill EKG and the treadmill or exercise portion of the stress echocardiogram will begin. A target heart rate will be calculated based on your age. This heart rate is necessary to meet for exam accuracy. You will begin walking on the treadmill. The treadmill will start at a slow pace but will increase in speed and incline every three minutes until your target heart rate is obtained. Once you have reached the target heart rate from walking or running on the treadmill, we will stop the treadmill and you will quickly return to the table on your left side so we can take the post-exercise pictures of your heart. This exam will take approximately 60 minutes to complete. Our cardiologist will review the stress test, resting echocardiogram and pre and post-exercise images to determine the presence of coronary artery disease. The results of the exam will be discussed in your follow up visit.