Test / Diagnostic Procedure: 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 be done.
During the test you will be exercising on a bike while monitoring your blood pressure and heart rhythm. It may be that dobutamine is used 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.

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 be able to show your consultant how much exercise you can safely tolerate. It can also show how well any heart medication or treatments are working.

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