Stress Echocardiogram

Stress Echocardiogram

Stress Echocardiogram A stress echocardiogram, or stress echo test, assesses how well the heart is functioning when it is working harder due to physical stress. For comparison reasons, a resting echocardiogram is first administered. An ultrasound technician guides a small hand-held device called a traducer over the chest. It transmits soundwaves that are converted to moving images of the heart on the computer screen. Next, the patient walks on a treadmill while the heart rhythm and blood pressure are monitored. When the heart rate increases to a certain point, a second set of echocardiogram images are taken. This test shows how efficiently your heart pumps blood, can detect heart issues that may not show up at rest, and can measure the severity of heart issues such as a blockage. In cases where the patient is unable to walk on a treadmill, an IV medication can be given instead that will mimic the effects of exercise to increase the heart rate.