WHAT IS A STRESS ECHO TEST?
A Stress Echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound waves to examine the heart while you are exercising. This test can be used to determine the size of the heart, the pumping strength of the heart, heart valve problems, fluid around the heart blood clots or tumors inside the heart, abnormal holes between the chambers, or diagnosing coronary artery disease.

HOW IS IT DONE?
For the echocardiogram, you will be asked to lie on your left side. To improve the quality of the pictures, a colorless gel will be applied to the area of the chest where the transducer (a small microphone-like device) will be placed. A technician moves the transducer over the chest to obtain different views of the heart. You may be asked to change position. After the resting echocardiogram, electrodes (small sticky pads) and wires will be attached to your chest and shoulders to record your Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG). The ECG shows your heart’s activity during the test. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. During the test, your blood pressure will be checked every few minutes and the ECG readings will be watched carefully. You will be asked to report any symptoms, such as chest pain, shortness of breath or dizziness. Next, you will be asked to walk on a treadmill until a desired heart rate is reached. After the desired heart rate is reached, you will be asked to quickly move to the bed and lie on your left side. Then another echocardiogram is performed while your heart is still beating quickly.