Stress Echo Cardiography

Stress Echocardiography (Stress Echo) is a specialized heart test that evaluates how well the heart functions under physical or medical stress. It combines echocardiography (ultrasound imaging of the heart) with exercise or medication to detect reduced blood flow, blocked arteries, or heart muscle problems that may not be visible at rest.

Why Is Stress Echocardiography Done?

Stress Echo is recommended to:

• Diagnose coronary artery disease (CAD)

• Evaluate chest pain or shortness of breath

• Assess heart function after a heart attack

• Determine exercise capacity and heart response

• Guide treatment planning for heart conditions

Types of Stress Echocardiography

• Exercise Stress Echo: Performed while walking on a treadmill or cycling

• Pharmacological Stress Echo: Uses medications to simulate exercise when a patient cannot exercise

How Is Stress Echocardiography Performed?

1. A resting echocardiogram is done first

2. The heart is stressed through exercise or medication

3. Immediate post-stress echo images are recorded

4. Heart function at rest and stress is compared