Stress Echocardiography
Cardiopulmonary Department - Phone 319-221-8500
What is Stress Echocardiography?
Stress echocardiography (stress echo), is an exercise test that helps your doctor see how well your heart functions when made to work harder. Harmless sound waves bounce (echo) off your heart. The sound waves show the structure and movement of your heart before and immediately after exercise. Stress echo is painless, noninvasive and involves little risk.
Why should I have a Stress Echocardiography exam?
By comparing the images taken before and after exercise, your doctor can see any changes in the way your heart muscle works when under the stress of exercise. This tells your doctor whether your heart is getting enough blood to meet its increased demand for oxygen. The test results help the doctor plan your treatment and any other tests that are needed.
Preparation:
Please review with your doctor or your doctor's nurse.
- Don’t eat or drink 2 hours before the test.
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You will need to stop taking Beta Blocker medications 24 hours before the test. Check with your doctor to see if you are taking these medications.
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If you use an inhaler for breathing problems bring it with you to the procedure.
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Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit and shoes that are comfortable for walking.
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Bring a list of your current medications to the procedure.
Procedure:
After you arrive for your stress echo, you’ll be asked to undress from the waist up and put on a hospital gown. Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to record your heartbeat. Your blood pressure is also monitored. A technician moves a painless device (transducer) coated with cool gel firmly over the left side of your chest. Then images of your heart at rest are recorded on videotape.
Next, you’re asked to walk on a treadmill until your heart is beating rapidly. If you have a medical condition that prevents you from exercising, your heart rate may be increased with medication instead of exercise.
Finally, a technician records a second set of video images of your heart immediately after you finish exercising. The doctor can then display the two sets of images side by side to compare the way your heart functions at rest and after exercise.
Plan to allow 1-2 hours from arrival to the time you can leave.
Outpatient Registration:
Please arrive 15 minutes prior your scheduled procedure time. You must register prior to your procedure. Park in the Mercy parking ramp, located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 8th Street SE. (The South Entrance into the hospital from the parking ramp is the closest to Registration.) Upon entering the hospital, proceed to Ground (G) Level and follow the signs to "Registration." After registering, proceed to the Katz Cardiovascular Center, also located on Ground (G) level.
Your appointment date and time:
