Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
Stress echocardiography, also called an echocardiography stress test or stress echo, is a procedure that determines how well your heart and blood vessels are working. During a stress echo you’ll exercise on a treadmill while our staff monitors your blood pressure and heart rhythm. When your heart rate reaches peak levels, our echo technologist will take images of your heart to determine whether your heart muscles are getting enough blood and oxygen while you exercise.
How to Prepare
It is OK to eat a light meal 2 hours before the stress test and to drink as needed.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing for walking on the treadmill.
Bring with you to your appointment your:
- Kupah card (For Maccabi patients)
- Copy of your referral (Hafnaya)
- Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment
During and After the Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
During the test monitors will be attached to you to record your heart rate, heart rhythm, and blood pressure during the test. Before and after exercising on the treadmill, you will be asked to lie on your left side. The sonographer will take pictures of your heart.
After the test the sonographer cannot give you the results. The cardiologist will review the images and write a report.
The Results of Your Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
The report will be sent to the doctor who requested the stress echo and he/she will discuss the results with you at a later time.
How Long Will Your Appointment Be?
An exercise stress echocardiogram usually takes 30 minutes to an hour.
We do everything that we can to stay on time. Unfortunately, your appointment may be delayed by unforeseen circumstances. We recommend that you come prepared for delays.