Stress echocardiography

This test is done at a medical center or health care provider's office. A resting echocardiogram will be done first. While you lie on your left side with your left arm out, a small device called a transducer is held against your chest. A special gel is used to help the ultrasound waves get to your heart. Most people…

Ask your provider if you should take any of your normal medicines on the day of the test. Some medicines may interfere with test results. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider. It is important to tell your provider if you have taken any of the following medicines within the past 24…

Electrodes (conductive patches) will be placed on your chest, arms, and legs to record your heart's activity. The blood pressure cuff on your arm will be inflated every few minutes, producing a squeezing sensation that may feel tight. During the test, people feel chest discomfort, extra or skipped heartbeats,…

The test is performed to see whether your heart muscle is getting enough blood flow and oxygen when it is working hard (under stress). Your provider may order this test if you: Have new symptoms of angina or chest pain Have angina that is getting worse Have recently had a heart attack Are going to have surgery or…

A normal test will most often mean that you were able to exercise as long as or longer than most people of your age and sex. You also did not have symptoms or concerning changes in blood pressure and your ECG. Your heart pictures show that all parts of your heart respond to increased stress by pumping harder. A normal…

Abnormal results may be due to: Reduced blood flow to a part of your heart. The most likely cause is a narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply your heart muscle. Scarring of your heart muscle due to a past heart attack. After the test you may need: Angioplasty and stent placement Changes in your heart…

The risks are very low. Health care professionals will monitor you during the entire procedure. Rare complications include: Abnormal heart rhythm Fainting (syncope) Heart attack

Boden WE. Angina pectoris and stable ischemic heart disease. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 56. Fowler GC, Smith A. Stress echocardiography. In: Fowler GC, ed. Pfenninger and Fowler's Procedures for Primary Care . 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA:…