An exercise stress echo is an investigation that is most commonly used to assess if the chest pain you experienced is related to a block heart artery or not. It can be useful for people who experience breathlessness or faints during exertion too.
A baseline echocardiogram is performed to assess the state of your heart first. Then, electrodes are place across the chest wall to monitor the electrical activity of your heart. For female patients, a gown will be provided and no bra is worn during the test. For male patients with thick chest hair, shaving at some spots may be required.
You will then exercise on a treadmill machine while your heart rhythm, BP and symptoms monitored by a trained technician and a cardiologist. For most patients, it is a fast-paced walk. For fitter patients slow running might be needed at the end of the test.
After the exercise is done, you will move back to the bed lying on your side to have a repeat echocardiogram.
Pre-test preparation
Do not take a beta-blocker (it is a blood pressure tablet, such as metoprolol, atenolol, propranolol, bisoprolol, nebivolol, sotalol) on the day of the test.
On the day
- Wear comfortable clothes and walking/running shoes (no thongs, heels, etc).
- Fast for 2 hours before test (drinking water is fine but no solids or other beverages).
- A consent form will be provided before the test.
- You will be given the results and a chance to discuss straight after the test.
