Benefits of an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (Stress Echo)?
- It is a non-invasive, low risk cardiac screening tool with better sensitivity and specificity than a standard stress ECG.
- The test allows a cardiologist to assess your heart muscle, valves, large blood vessels and blood flow.
- To measure your current fitness level.
- To help create a safe exercise plan.
- As an initial screening for abnormal cardiac rhythms.
- Monitor blood pressure response to exercise.
- To determine if further cardiac investigations are warranted.
How do you prepare for an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram?
- Wear loose, comfortable two-piece outfit. Please be aware, for this test you will need to undress to the waist (which includes removal of bra in the case of female clients). Females will be provided with a gown for privacy.
- Take your regular medications as usual on the day of the test.
- Avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol at least 3 hours before the test begins.
- Avoid caffeine (such as tea, coffee, cola and chocolate) on the day of the test
- Avoid consuming a large meal 1-2 hours before the test.
- Please do not wear talc, body lotion or neck chains.
What happens during an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram?
- A technician will attach ECG electrodes to your chest. These electrodes monitor your hearth rhythm during this test.
- Men may require part of their chest to be shaved.
- An ultrasound will be performed during rest (before exercise) and immediately after the exercising portion of the test. This involves lying down, and a cool gel will be placed on your skin. The technician will move a handheld wand across your chest to take the ultrasound images.
- You will be supervised by a doctor, technician and exercise physiologist throughout the test.
- Your blood pressure, pulse and ECG will be monitored continuously.
What happens after an Exercise Stress Echocardiogram?
- After you complete your Exercise Stress Echocardiogram, you will be monitored until your heart rate returns to its normal resting rate. Your test results will be explained to you, and your doctor may recommend additional tests and treatments.
- The images will be reviewed by a cardiologist before the results are submitted to the Ford Health Team of doctors.
