Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram, also known as a stress echo, is a test to determine how well your heart and blood vessels are working.

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What is a stress echocardiogram?

A stress echocardiogram, also known as a stress echo, is a test to determine how well your heart and blood vessels are working.

Your physiologist will record your blood pressure and heart rhythm before you start your test. A resting echocardiogram will then be done.

During the test, you will be exercising on a bike while your blood pressure and heart rhythm are monitored. It may be that a drug called dobutamine is given to increase your heart rate.

When your heart rate reaches peak levels, ultrasound images will be taken of your heart to determine whether your heart muscles are getting enough blood and oxygen when exercising.

Why do I need a stress echocardiogram?

Your consultant may order you a stress echo if you have experienced any chest pains relating to potential coronary artery disease or a heart attack.

If you are in cardiac rehabilitation, the test will show your consultant how much exercise you can safely tolerate. It can also show how well any heart medication or treatments are working.

Risks associated with a stress echocardiogram

This non-invasive test is safe, but whilst rare, complications that can occur include:

  • an abnormal heart rhythm
  • dizziness
  • allergy to any contrast agent given

Why choose Welbeck?

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialities, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if needed to ensure you receive the best possible treatment as quickly as possible, all under one roof.

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

Book a private stress echocardiogram

To book a stress echocardiogram, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test. If you already have your referral, please email it to bookings.hearthealth@onewelbeck.com, and a member of our clinical team will be in touch.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.

FAQs

How long does a stress echocardiogram take?

In most cases, a stress echocardiogram will take between 30 to 60 minutes to complete.

 

How accurate is a stress echocardiogram?

A stress echocardiogram is highly accurate in detecting heart problems, with accuracy ranging from 80% to 90%. Although not an anatomical assessment of coronary blockages, this is a functional study, meaning your heart will be put through a degree of stress (either with cycling, running or with pharmacological stress with dobutamine - a drug like adrenaline which causes the heart to pump faster and stronger). 

The echocardiogram, which looks carefully at the major pumping chambers of the heart, will then be able to assess the difference in pump function between the resting state and the stress/exercising state, to look accurately for regions in the heart which may start to deteriorate in function (ie. become weaker in pumping during stress) which implies that the flow of blood to the heart becomes insufficient during stress, usually caused by underlying coronary artery blockages. If your stress echo is positive, showing evidence of the heart weakening, then your cardiologist may refer you onwards for an angiogram to assess the anatomical structure of your coronary arteries.

 

How often should you have a stress echocardiogram?

How often you should have a stress echocardiogram depends on your individual circumstances and the reason for having the test. Routine stress echocardiograms are not recommended for those with no known heart conditions, but may be appropriate to have annually or every few years for those with diagnosed heart conditions like coronary artery disease or heart failure.

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Overview

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Health Insurance

This service or treatment is generally covered by most health insurance policies. You are responsible for checking your insurance policy cover, and you may need a referral letter. Check which insurance companies are covered.

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Doctor Referral Only

You will generally need to get a referral letter from your NHS GP, Private GP, or other doctor to access this service or treatment. Find out more including how we can assist you

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Self-Pay Available

This treatment is available for self-paying users. If you would like to see more information on pricing visit our pricing and payments page.

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Fixed Price Package

For peace of mind, this service or treatment is available for an all-inclusive fixed price package.

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Same Day Availability

We usually have same-day appointments available for this service. Please call us to book.