STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM
A stress echocardiogram test, also called a stress echocardiography test or stress echo test, is a procedure that determines how well the heart muscle and blood vessels are working to pump blood to the body. The first part of the test uses an echocardiogram that uses an ultrasound to produce images of the patient’s heart. An ultrasound uses high pitched sound waves that are sent through a hand-held device called a “transducer probe” to create images of the patient’s heart functioning. Next, Dr. Mohin will monitor the patient’s heart rate while exercising.
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM TEST?
A stress echocardiogram test may done for these reasons:
valuate the function of the patient's heart and valves
To check for coronary artery disease, or likelihood of having coronary artery disease
Determine how well the patient's heart tolerates activity
To test blood pressure levels during exercises
Assess how well the heart and blood vessels work, and if structures are normal
To check the heart to determine if exercise is safe for someone who is recovering from a heart attack, or heart surgery
PREPARING FOR A STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM TEST
No specific preparations are needed for a stress echocardiogram. Patients can eat, drink, and take medications as they normally would. Be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are suitable for exercising.
HOW IT IS DONE?
Before a stress echocardiogram, Dr. Mohin will need to first see how the patient’s heart functions while resting to get an accurate idea of how it’s working. The doctor will first perform a resting echocardiography test. During a resting echocardiography, the patient will be asked to remove their clothing from the waist up and be given a gown to wear. The doctor will place 10 sticky patches called electrodes onto the chest area. The electrodes are connected to a electrocardiograph (EGC), which measures the heart’s electrical activity, focusing on the rate and regularity of the patient’s heartbeats. The patient will then be asked to lie on their side as the doctor applies clear gel onto the chest area. As the doctor moves the probe around, the device will produce images of the heart’s movement and structure.
Next, Dr. Mohin will start a stress echocardiogram test. During the test, the patient will be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. The intensity of the work out depends on the patient’s physical condition. The doctor will instruct the patient to exercise until they’ve reached their target heart rate, or until they’re too tired to continue. After the doctor stops the exercising portion, the patient will lie back on the examination table as the doctor takes more echocardiogram images.
WHY DR. MOHIN?
Dr. Mohin is a highly reviewed and accredited cardiologist with his own state-of-the-art testing facility comprised of in-house equipment. Whether you need a stress echocardiogram test or an annual heart screening, Dr. Mohin can provide the most complete and thorough care. His dedicated staff is here to answer any questions, so that you can put your mind at ease. Need to make an appointment? Call us at (310) 659-9572, or make an appointment online below.