Stress echocardiography

Before a stress echocardiography, you should follow your cardiologist’s instructions regarding eating, drinking, and medication intake. It is often necessary to fast before the test and to stop taking certain medications that could affect your heart rate. Comfortable clothing and appropriate footwear for physical activity are also recommended.

During a stress echocardiography, the patient first performs a physical activity on a treadmill or bicycle ergometer to stress the heart. Alternatively, a medication can be administered that simulates the effect of physical stress on the heart. Echocardiography images are taken before, during, and after the stress to assess the response of the heart muscle.

Stress echocardiography is generally safe but carries some risks, ranging from mild (such as exhaustion or temporary heart rhythm disturbances) to serious events (such as heart attack), especially in people with advanced heart disease. Therefore, the test is performed under strict medical supervision.

The results of a stress echocardiography can indicate whether enough blood and oxygen reach the heart muscle during stressful situations. Abnormal results may indicate possible coronary heart disease, show areas of the heart muscle that are not well supplied with blood, or reveal functional problems with the heart valves under stress. This information is crucial for further diagnosis and planning appropriate treatment.