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What Constitutes a Positive Stress Echocardiogram?

A stress echocardiogram, or a stress test, combines the science of echocardiography with ultrasound imaging to examine the heart's condition. The test enables the examiner to check the function of the heart, ensure the valves are operating properly and see how the heart functions under stress. Stress tests are commonly given to patients when heart disease or blockage is suspected. A positive stress test indicates heart abnormalities.

  1. Definition of the Test

    • The medical professional performing the test begins by conducting a normal echocardiogram on the resting heart. She attaches electrodes to the chest to monitor the activity of the heart during the test. After this, the patient exercises on a treadmill or stationary bike, gradually increasing the amount of exertion until he nears exhaustion. The patient then undergoes a second echocardiogram while the heart rate is elevated.

    Purpose of the Test

    • Comparing the images of your resting heart to the images of your heart under stress allows your doctor to examine the health of the muscles in your heart, especially those in the left ventricle. Your doctor can see if any of the muscles in your heart are not working as hard as they should be or not receiving as much blood as they require. Either problem can indicate a variety of health concerns.

    Problems the Test Can Detect

    • Stress echocardiograms screen for a spectrum of heart conditions, including coronary artery disease, blockages and heart problems that only present themselves under stress. The test is also used to check the effectiveness of angioplasty or evaluate the size of blockage in the heart before surgery.

    What a Positive Test Means

    • The possible abnormalities suggested by a positive stress echocardiogram include blocked arteries, artery disease, heart-valve problems or instability in the heart after heart surgery. The test can detect fluid in the lining of the heart, infection, tumors, pressure from the lungs or any other problems associated with the heart muscle's chambers, valves and pumping. While stress echocardiograms are accurate most of the time, false positives may be present in 30 percent of tests. If the suspected blockage is limited to one area of the heart, the percent of false positives can be even higher.

    What Happens after a Positive Test

    • Positive test results will likely lead your doctor to perform further testing or make changes in your current treatment. These may include an increase in certain medications, instructions for your exercise routine or a recommendation for heart surgery.

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