Stress echocardiography, also known as an exercise stress echo, is a non-invasive test that evaluates how well your heart functions under physical stress. This test helps diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD), assess heart valve function, and determine the overall health of your heart muscles. It combines an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) with a stress test to provide a detailed view of how your heart pumps.
Why is Stress Echocardiography Performed?
Your doctor may recommend a stress echocardiography test if you experience symptoms such as chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness or fatigue, irregular heartbeats, suspected coronary artery disease, or previous heart conditions requiring monitoring. This test helps in detecting blockages in the arteries, evaluating the severity of heart valve disease, and assessing the effectiveness of heart treatments.
Test Process
At MyoCardia Diagnostics Center, we follow a standardized procedure to ensure accurate and reliable results. The test begins with preparation, where you may be asked to avoid eating or drinking a few hours before the test. Comfortable clothing and running shoes are recommended. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart’s electrical activity.
A baseline echocardiogram is performed by a technician to capture images of your heart while you are at rest. After the initial images are taken, stress is induced either through exercise on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. The intensity is gradually increased to raise your heart rate. If you are unable to exercise, a medication may be administered to stimulate the effects of physical activity on your heart.
As your heart rate increases, another set of ultrasound images is taken to evaluate how well your heart is pumping under stress. After stopping exercise, additional images are captured as your heart rate returns to normal. These images are analyzed to assess heart function and blood flow.
Results and Next Steps
The cardiologist at MyoCardia Diagnostics Center will interpret your test results and discuss any findings with you. If abnormalities are detected, further diagnostic tests or treatments may be recommended to manage your heart health effectively.