Stress Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram gives your doctor important information about your heart muscle and blood flow to your heart. It can reveal the cause of problems such as palpitations, chest pain and difficulty breathing.
During the test, electrodes (small metal discs which detect electrical impulses) are applied to your chest. You will walk or run on a treadmill. Before and immediately after exercise, a small ultrasound probe will be applied to your chest to view different parts of your heart. A cardiologist will analyze the results and share them with your doctor, who will explain your results to you.
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue taking your medications as usual. If you have been instructed not to take your medications, tell the technician before the test. The stress echocardiogram will take about one hour.
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment and bring your physician order.
- Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and tennis shoes or walking shoes. Do not wear one-piece undergarments.
- Please don’t eat food, drink caffeine or smoke for at least two hours before the test.Â
Stress echocardiogram tests are performed by appointment only.