Red Oak Cardiovascular Center

STRESS ECHOING

Question:
Are you scheduled for a Stress Echocardiogram?

This test views the function of the walls of your heart before and after exercise.

The exercise electrocardiogram and an echocardiogram are combined in this study to allow the physician to determine how well the valves and chambers of your heart are functioning.

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Procedure
You will be asked to remove your clothing from your upper body. Electrodes will be attached to your chest, so an EKG can be recorded at the same time as the echo. The transducer will be lubricated with gel and held in various positions on your chest. You may be asked to lie in various positions.

Then, a stress technician will prepare your skin for placement of additional electrodes for the stress test portion of the test. Your skin will be cleaned with alcohol, skin prep or even shaved to remove excess hair, skin, and oils. Electrodes will then be placed in different locations on your chest and are connected by long wires to the stress equipment. This will enable the technician to record the electrical activity of your heart throughout exercise.

A blood pressure cuff will be placed around your upper arm so that your blood pressure can be checked every two minutes during the test. You will then be instructed to walk on the treadmill. The treadmill will move very slowly at first and you will be walking on an incline. Every three minutes the speed and elevation of the treadmill will increase. This will increase the workload on your heart gradually until you reach your maximum or target heart rate. The treadmill will be stopped after you reach the desired heart rate and another ultrasound of the heart is immediately performed.

A physician will be present during this portion of the test and will determine when the testing should be stopped. The test will be stopped if you experience fatigue, extreme shortness of breath, chest pain, or develop any abnormalities in EKG or blood pressure.

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Preparation
You should wear exercise clothing and tennis shoes. Women should wear a two-piece outfit.

You may eat a light breakfast, however, no caffeine products should be consumed the morning of your test.

Take your regularly scheduled medications, except beta-blockers.

Question:
How long does this test take?

This test takes an hour, depending on the patient.

Results.
Results will be given to you by your physician at your next scheduled appointment.

Any Questions?

Just ask your physician or other members of our health care team.