A stress echocardiogram utilises transthoracic echocardiography, capturing images both before and after you exercise or receive medication to elevate your heart rate. This allows your doctor to evaluate how your heart responds under stress and identify any abnormalities in its function.
At Ture Care Cardiology, we offer Stress Echocardiography in Sanctuary Cove, helping detect conditions such as heart failure, high blood pressure, and other cardiovascular concerns. By assessing your heart’s ability to pump blood effectively under increased demand, this test provides essential insights into your overall heart health and helps determine the best course of treatment if needed.
What to Expect
Your doctor will place patches on your chest that connect to the echocardiogram machine.
To slightly increase the stress on your heart, one of the following methods will be used:
Working out on a treadmill or stationary bicycle.
Giving medications such as dobutamine.
Adjusting a pacemaker, if you have one
The echocardiogram and other monitoring devices will collect data periodically to assess your heart’s response and function.
Throughout the test, your heart rhythm, breathing, and blood pressure will be monitored.
For an Exercise Stress Test:
Arrive ready to exercise.
Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored before, during, and after the exercise.
Before your appointment, your doctor will advise you on any necessary adjustments, such as pausing certain medications before the test. The stress echocardiogram usually takes 20 to 30 minutes, though the duration may vary depending on your exercise time or how long the medication takes to raise your heart rate.