An echocardiogram is a graphic outline of the heart's movement. A stress echo can accurately visualize the motion of the heart's walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed; it may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn't always apparent on other heart tests.

A stress echo is an imaging test that involves the use of an echocardiogram. An echocardiogram uses high frequency sound waves (ultrasound) to provide pictures of the heart’s valves and wall motion. During and echo stress test, images of the heart are taken before and after exercise. A treadmill is used to increase your heart rate during exercise.

By comparing images of the heart at rest and stress, the cardiologist will be able to evaluate cardiac function. Any changes in the heart movement may indicate the possibility of blockage in the coronary arteries, thus diagnosing coronary artery disease.

This test helps to determine which parts of
the heart are healthy and function normally
and which are not. A very small and harmless amount of radioactive substance is injected into the patient. Then the doctor uses a special camera to identify the rays emitted from the substance within the body; this produces clear pictures of the heart tissue on a monitor. These pictures are done both at rest and after exercise. Using this technique, a less than normal amount of thallium will be seen in those areas of the heart that have a decreased blood supply.

The exercise stress test is a test used to provide information about how the heart responds to exertion. It usually involves walking on a treadmill or pedaling a stationary bike at increasing levels of difficulty, while your electrocardiogram, heart rate and blood pressure are monitored.

Before your stress test:
Do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test. Do not drink or eat foods containing caffeine for 12 hours before the test. Caffeine will interfere with the results of your test.

Do not take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your doctor tells you otherwise, or if the medication is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test: Isosorbide dinitrate (for example, Isordil, Dilatrate SR); Isosorbide mononitrate (for example, ISMO, Imdur, Monoket); Nitroglycerin (for example, Deponit, Nitrostat, Nitro-bid). Your doctor may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your doctor. Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your doctor. If you use an inhaler for your breathing, please bring it to the test.

If you have diabetes:
If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, ask your doctor what amount of your medication you should take the day of the test. Often, you will take only half of your usual morning dose and eat a light meal 4 hours before the test.

If you take pills to control your blood sugar, do not take your medication until after the test is complete.

Do not take your diabetes medication and skip a meal before the test.

If you own a glucose monitor, bring it with you to check your blood sugar levels before and after your exercise stress test. If you think that your blood sugar is low, tell the lab personnel immediately.

Plan to eat and take your blood sugar medication following your stress test.

During an echocardiography a small device, called a transducer, is used to produce sound waves. The transducer is placed at several sites on your chest and the sound waves are converted into images on the monitor.

Wear soft-soled shoes suitable for walking and comfortable clothes. Do not bring valuables.
First, a technician will gently clean 10 small areas on your chest and place electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on these areas. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor (ECG or EKG) that charts your heart's electrical activity during the test.

Before you start exercising, the technician will perform an EKG, to measure your heart rate at rest and will take your blood pressure.

You will begin to exercise by walking on a treadmill. The rate of exercise, or degree of difficulty will gradually increase.

At regular intervals, the lab personnel will ask how you are feeling. Please tell them if you feel chest, arm or jaw pain or discomfort, short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded or any other unusual symptoms. It is normal for your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate and perspiration to increase during the test. The lab personnel will watch for any symptoms or changes on the ECG monitor that suggest the test should be stopped.

After the test you will enter into the recovery phase. In this phase, your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG will continue to be monitored until the levels begin returning to normal.

Although the appointment lasts about 60 minutes, the actual exercise time is usually between seven and 12 minutes. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about the exercise stress test.

The cardiologist will discuss the results with you after the test has been completed. The results of the test will allow the cardiologist to decide whether you need any further testing or treatment.

Male or female of any age
complaining of the following symptoms:

• Chest Pain
• Chest Lightness
• Chest Pressure
• Shortness of Breath
• Left/Right Bundle Branch Block
• Abnormal EKG
• History of Coronary Artery Disease
• Valvular Heart Disease
• Hypertension
• Weakness
• Family History of Heart Disease
• Diabetes
• Mitral Regurgitation
• Kidney Disease
• Any other cardiac risk factors