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Stress Echocardiogram

The stress echocardiogram (echo) is a test used to detect coronary artery disease (CAD), a blockage of blood flow to the heart. The stress echo combines an echocardiogram with the standard treadmill stress test. It tests your heart's reaction during periods of rest and exercise. The echocardiogram uses high-frequency sound waves (ultrasounds) to look at how the various parts of the heart work. If CAD is present, the stress echo will often note changes in how the heart muscle contracts.

Before the test

  • Do not eat or drink for three hours before the test.
  • Take your usual medicine with small sips of water unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
  • Take your blood pressure medicine.
  • On the morning of the exam, do not use lotion or powder on your body.
  • Wear a comfortable, loose-fitting, two-piece outfit and exercise shoes.
  • Allow for one to two hours from the time of arrival until the exam is complete.

Day of the test

Arriving at the Hospital
Check in at the Nuclear Medicine reception desk (Galter Pavilion, 201 East Huron St., Suite 8-148) 30 minutes before your appointment. Parking is available.

Preparing for the test

  • After a doctor explains the test, including its benefits and risks, you will be asked to sign a consent form before the test starts.
  • To prepare for the test, you will be asked to undress from the waist up. Women are given a hospital gown to wear.

During the test

  • Electrodes will be placed on your chest to record the electrocardiogram (ECG) during the test.
  • You will lie down on a special exam bed where a "pre-exercise" echocardiogram is done. A small transducer (probe) with a light gel will be placed on your chest to obtain images of your heart. This information, recorded on videotape, will be compared to images obtained right after exercise.
  • You will then exercise on a treadmill machine. The rate and incline will be increased every three minutes. Your blood pressure will be checked every three minutes during and after exercise. It is important to walk on the treadmill long enough to show the heart's reaction to varied amounts of work.
  • After the exercise, you will move back to the echo bed as quickly as possible to obtain the "post-exercise" echo. This is vital for a complete test.

After the test
The electrodes and gel will be removed from your chest and you may get dressed. Showers are available if you wish. You will be able to resume your regular diet.

Contact
Echocardiography
(312) 926-7483


Review Date: 07/02