Stress Echo
A stress echocardiography, also called an echocardiography stress test or stress echo, is a procedure that determines how well your heart and blood vessels are working.
During a stress echocardiography, you’ll exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike while your doctor monitors your blood pressure and heart rhythm.
What happens during a stress echocardiography?
Your doctor needs to see how your heart functions while you’re at rest to get an accurate idea of how it’s working. Your doctor begins by placing 10 small, sticky patches called electrodes on your chest. The electrodes connect to an electrocardiograph (ECG).
The ECG measures your heart’s electrical activity, especially the rate and regularity of your heartbeats. You’ll likely have your blood pressure taken throughout the test as well.
Next, you’ll lie on your side, and your doctor will do a resting echocardiogram, or ultrasound, of your heart. They’ll apply a special gel to your skin and then use a device called a transducer.
This device emits sound waves to create images of your heart’s movement and internal structures.
How do I prepare for a stress echocardiography?
This test usually occurs in an echocardiography laboratory, or echo lab, but it can also occur in your doctor’s office or other medical setting. It normally takes between 45 and 60 minutes.
Before you take the test, you should do the following:
- Make sure not to eat or drink anything for three to four hours before the test.
- Don’t smoke on the day of the test because nicotine can interfere with your heart rate.
- Don’t drink coffee or take any medications that contain caffeine without checking with your doctor.