Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
This is to detect the blockages in the arteries (coronary artery disease). You will typically be referred for this test if you are experiencing chest pain or shortness of breath. You will also typically be referred if you have risk factors for coronary artery disease like high blood pressure, elevated cholesterol, diabetes, family history of ischaemic heart disease or smoking.
Preparation:
Preparing for a Stress Test, please do not eat a heavy meal for four hours before the test. We advise wearing comfortable exercise clothes. If you are currently taking medication, you should check at the time of the booking to determine what medications may need to be withheld. Diabetic patients will be advised specifically.
Procedure:
There are three parts to the test. At first, an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is performed. This is to assess the function of the different segments of the muscle of the heart at baseline. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. Sound waves sent out by a transducer are used to take live images of the muscle of the heart and heart valves. We measure the size of the heart chambers, evaluate the function and structure of the muscle and heart valves. To assess the heart valves, colour flow is used to detect any leakage and/or blockage. Three sticky electrodes will be placed on your shoulders and rib cage to monitor the rhythm of the heart at the time of the test. You will be lying on your left side and back during the test. The test involves a water soluble conducting gel applied to your chest and the transducer (ultrasound probe) looking at the heart from various points and angles. This may be slightly uncomfortable at times when the probe presses on the skin in the space between two ribs. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the procedure.
The second part of the test is the exercise stress testing. Sticky electrodes will be applied to your chest and arms. For men, this may require partial shaving to allow the electrodes to stick properly. The electrodes enable us to monitor your ECG during your exercise stress testing. The Cardiologist are present during the test. An ECG is monitored continuously, your blood pressure will be checked every three minutes. On the treadmill, the incline and speed go up every three minutes, on an exercise bicycle by 25 watts every two minutes. The exercise test is performed to achieve target heart rate (220 minus age). Other reasons to stop the stress test are development of high blood pressure, indication of decreased blood-flow in the arteries of the heart, shortness of breath, leg discomfort, unusual heart rhythms. This will be at the discretion of the cardiologist. There is a 3 to 5 minute recovery/cool down period.
At the end of the stress testing phase you will have another ultrasound of your heart to assess the function and contractility (pump function) of the heart muscle at peak exercise. If the function of the heart muscle is normal at peak exercise, this indicates that the blood flow is sufficient in the arteries and that it is highly unlikely that there is a significant blockage.
Please allow at least 50 minutes for the visit. If this is your first visit to our practice, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete various forms. The test result will be discussed with you at the end of the test.
Preparation:
Preparing for a Stress Test, please do not eat a heavy meal for four hours before the test. We advise wearing comfortable exercise clothes. If you are currently taking medication, you should check at the time of the booking to determine what medications may need to be withheld. Diabetic patients will be advised specifically.
Procedure:
There are three parts to the test. At first, an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is performed. This is to assess the function of the different segments of the muscle of the heart at baseline. An echocardiogram is an ultrasound of the heart. Sound waves sent out by a transducer are used to take live images of the muscle of the heart and heart valves. We measure the size of the heart chambers, evaluate the function and structure of the muscle and heart valves. To assess the heart valves, colour flow is used to detect any leakage and/or blockage. Three sticky electrodes will be placed on your shoulders and rib cage to monitor the rhythm of the heart at the time of the test. You will be lying on your left side and back during the test. The test involves a water soluble conducting gel applied to your chest and the transducer (ultrasound probe) looking at the heart from various points and angles. This may be slightly uncomfortable at times when the probe presses on the skin in the space between two ribs. You may be asked to hold your breath for a few seconds during the procedure.
The second part of the test is the exercise stress testing. Sticky electrodes will be applied to your chest and arms. For men, this may require partial shaving to allow the electrodes to stick properly. The electrodes enable us to monitor your ECG during your exercise stress testing. The Cardiologist are present during the test. An ECG is monitored continuously, your blood pressure will be checked every three minutes. On the treadmill, the incline and speed go up every three minutes, on an exercise bicycle by 25 watts every two minutes. The exercise test is performed to achieve target heart rate (220 minus age). Other reasons to stop the stress test are development of high blood pressure, indication of decreased blood-flow in the arteries of the heart, shortness of breath, leg discomfort, unusual heart rhythms. This will be at the discretion of the cardiologist. There is a 3 to 5 minute recovery/cool down period.
At the end of the stress testing phase you will have another ultrasound of your heart to assess the function and contractility (pump function) of the heart muscle at peak exercise. If the function of the heart muscle is normal at peak exercise, this indicates that the blood flow is sufficient in the arteries and that it is highly unlikely that there is a significant blockage.
Please allow at least 50 minutes for the visit. If this is your first visit to our practice, please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment to complete various forms. The test result will be discussed with you at the end of the test.
| stress_echo.pdf |