What Is Involved in a Stress Echocardiogram?

A stress echocardiogram test uses ultrasound (high frequency sound waves) to examine the heart muscle's response to stress, according to the Medline Plus website. The test is painless and takes about one hour.

Purpose

• The main purpose of a stress echocardiogram test is to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease. Doctors may use stress echocardiograms to see if heart disease is present or to evaluate progress after a heart attack or heart surgery.

Preparation

• You will be instructed to refrain from eating or drinking for three hours before the test; check with your doctor about when to take any routine medications. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Resting Ultrasound

• You will have electrodes attached to your chest and a blood pressure cuff attached to your arm. The technologist will first obtain ultrasound pictures of your heart while you are at rest.

Treadmill

• You will walk on a treadmill with the speed and incline gradually increased. Immediately after you stop exercise, more ultrasound pictures will be taken of your heart. Patients who cannot exercise may be given a medication to increase their heart rate.

Risks

• The stress echocardiogram test is performed in a stress test laboratory, with health care professionals monitoring the procedure. Risks are extremely low, according to the American College of Cardiology.