Stress Echo­cardiogram

Your doctor might request a stress echocardiogram to:

• See how well your heart tolerates activity.
• Evaluate the function of your heart and values.
• Diagnosis or monitor coronary artery disease.
• Determine the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.
• Identify or monitor blockages or reduced blood flow. 
• Monitor the success of a heart surgery and determine how much exercise you can safely tolerate during rehabilitation.

There are a few things you should and shouldn’t do prior to your appointment:

How do I get ready for the test?

• Avoid caffeine on the morning of your test (including tea, soft drinks, chocolate, decaffeinated products, etc).
• Eat a light meal only.
• Do not drink alcohol.
• Do not smoke.
• Do not apply lotion or cream to the chest area.

Should I take my medications?

• Take all of your regular medications at their usual times. Do not stop taking any medication unless directed by your doctor.
• If you are diabetic and use insulin: Take half of your normal insulin dose on the day of your test. The exercise may lower your blood sugar levels. If you have any concerns or questions, please call the clinic, or consult your family physician.

What should I bring with me?

Bring all your current medications in their original bottles.

What should I wear?

Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and running shoes.

A stress echocardiogram is performed by a certified technician.

1. You’ll be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and be given a gown to wear.
2. You’ll be instructed to lie down on an examination table on your left side.
3. Several small electrode stickers (sensors) will be attached to your chest. These will be connected to a machine that monitors your heartbeat during the test (ECG).
4. The sonographer spreads gel on the small probe (transducer).
   The transducer is pressed against your chest to record the sound wave echoes from your heart. A computer converts these echoes into moving images on a screen.
5. You’ll then exercise on a treadmill, starting slowly and gradually increasing intensity.
6. You’ll continue to exercise until you reach your target heart rate (varies depending on your age & fitness level) – Approx 10 to 15 minutes.
7. Once, you’ve reached your target heart rate, you’ll get off the treadmill and return to the exam table for another echocardiogram.