Because the patient is monitored during physical activity, a conventional stress echocardiogram requires the use of a treadmill or stationary bike. Before starting the stress echocardiogram, the mobile technologist first obtains resting echocardiogram images. This creates baseline ultrasound images for the patient, who then moves to the treadmill or bike and gradually increases his or her efforts until he or she approaches 85 percent of maximum heart rate. The patient is imaged during the process to produce the stress echocardiogram.
The interpreting physician observes the imaging from the stress echocardiogram to assess heart-wall motion and to detect areas of abnormal arterial constriction, where the coronary arteries are failing to dilate as they should under exertion. This is evidence of arterial blockage, which may produce symptoms such as chest pain or difficulty breathing. Because the complete test requires an initial resting echocardiogram, the stress echocardiogram, and a final, post-exercise resting echocardiogram, it takes longer than a simple resting echo. In total, the procedure requires about two hours. (If significant symptoms occur during the stress echocardiogram portion, the technologist will stop the test for the patient’s safety.)
Common indications for ordering a stress echocardiogram include:
- Abnormal EKG
- Chest Pain
- Syncope and Collapse
- Painful Respiration
- Cardiovascular Disease
- Angina
- Previous Myocardial Infarction