ABOUT THE PROCEDURE:
Your physician has ordered an echocardiogram (stress echo) which records the movement of your heart’s valves and chamber walls with ultrasound waves. This technique compares how your heart works when stressed by exercise, using a standard treadmill, versus when it is at rest. Echocardiography is conducted before you exercise and immediately after you stop.
During the test, a probe is placed against the chest that sends high frequency sound waves over the various heart structures. As the sound waves bounce off the moving structures of the heart, they are converted to electronic signals, producing a video image of the heart. The sound waves are harmless.
WHAT TO EXPECT:
After changing into a patient gown, you will lie quietly on a table while the test is being performed. A small amount of gel will be placed on the lower part of the sternum or breastbone. An electronic probe is pressed against the sternum and angled toward the heart. As the technician manipulates the probe, you may feel slight pressure on the sternum. You will be asked to turn to the side and hold your breath for short periods as the technician locates the best position for the probe.
For the stress portion of the test, 10 electrodes will be placed on your chest so recordings of your heart can be made while walking on the treadmill. Chest hair will be shaved in the areas where the electrodes are to be placed, because a clear area is needed to get the best readings. You will then be hooked up to a heart monitor so recordings of your heart can be made while walking on the treadmill. The treadmill is programmed to run on a specific speed and elevation, which changes every three minutes. Your heart rhythm and rate are monitored continuously while you are exercising. An EKG tracing will be done before and after the test for comparison with tracings during exercise. Blood pressures are also monitored before, during and after the test. Once the treadmill is stopped, another set of echo images are obtained to compare with resting images. After the procedure is completed, a cardiologist will discuss the results with you.
HOW TO PREPARE:
- Wear clothing that can be easily removed from the waist up, and comfortable shoes.
- Do not eat or drink for 2 hours prior to the test.
- Bring a list of your medications with you.
- Take your medications with a small amount of liquid if they are normally taken in the morning.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE:
A stress echocardiogram takes approximately 1 to 1 ½ hours.
AFTER THE PROCEDURE:
You may feel slight discomfort in the area of the sternum for a short time after the test. Other than that, there are no lasting effects from the procedure.