Stress Echocardiogram (Stress Echo) Investigations

What is a Stress Echocardiogram?

• A specialized test that evaluates how well the heart pumps blood during exercise (treadmill or bike) or with stress-inducing medication.
• Ultrasound imaging is performed before and after stress to detect changes in heart function.
• Helps reveal coronary artery disease, heart muscle weakness, and abnormal rhythms that may not show up at rest.

When Do You Need a Stress Echo?

A Stress Echo is recommended if you experience:

• Chest pain or pressure during physical activity
• Shortness of breath or fatigue on exertion
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• High risk of coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Previous abnormal ECG resultsMonitoring progress after cardiac treatment or procedures

Benefits of Stress Echo Investigations

• Detects early heart disease before symptoms worsen
• Assesses severity of coronary artery blockages
• Evaluates exercise tolerance and heart muscle function
• Guides treatment plans such as medication or intervention
• Safe, painless, and radiation-free compared to some other imaging tests

Our Stress Echo Process

Initial Consultation & Risk Assessment
– Review of symptoms, risk factors, and medical history.

Preparation & Resting Echocardiogram
– Baseline ultrasound of the heart at rest.

Exercise / Medication Stress Phase
– Either treadmill exercise or controlled medication to raise heart rate.

Post-Stress Imaging
– Ultrasound images taken immediately after stress.

Analysis & Results Discussion
– Comprehensive review of findings with clear explanation and next steps.