Testing Center
Exercise Stress Echo Test


What You Need To Know
The exercise stress echo test involves exercising on a treadmill or stationery bicycle while you are closely monitored. The test is used to:

• determine how well your heart tolerates activity;
• evaluate the function of your heart and valves;
• determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease (blocked arteries); and
• evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.

Can I eat or drink on the day of the test?
Yes. However, DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for 2 hours before the test.

Should I take my medications the day of the test?
DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your physician tells you otherwise or if the medication is needed to treat chest discomfort:

Beta blockers

• Atenonol (Tenormin)
• Lopressor (Metoprolol, Toprol)
• Inderal (Propanolol)
• Zebeta (Bisoprolol)
• Ziac (Bisoprolol Hydrochlorothiazide)

Your physician may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your physician.

NOTE: Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your physician.

If you use an inhaler for your breathing, please bring it to the test. Do not take your diabetes medication and skip a meal before the test.

What should I wear the day of the test?
Wear comfortable clothes. Bring shoes suitable for walking. Do not bring valuables.

What happens during the test?
Your exercise stress test will take place in the Stress Echo Lab located in the Testing Center. The testing area is supervised by a physician.

• First, a technician will gently rub ten small areas on your chest and place electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on these areas. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor (EKG) that charts your heart's electrical activity during the test.
• Before you start exercising, the technician will perform a resting EKG, measure your resting heart rate and take your blood pressure.
• The technician will ask you to lie on your left side on an exam table so he or she can perform a resting echocardiogram (also called an "echo"). An echocardiogram is a graphic outline of the heart's movement created from ultrasound vibrations echoed from the heart's structures. The technician will place a wand (called a transducer) on your chest so the physician can see the outline of the heart's movement. This should not hurt.
• After the echo test, you will exercise either on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle.
• The lab personnel will ask you to start exercising and gradually increase your rate of exercise. You will be asked to exercise very hard until you are exhausted.
• At regular intervals, the lab personnel will ask how you are feeling. Please tell them if you feel chest, arm or jaw pain or discomfort, short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded or if you have any other unusual symptoms.
• The lab personnel will watch for any changes on the EKG monitor that suggest the test should be stopped.
• When you can not exercise any longer, you will get off the treadmill*, quickly return to the exam table and lie on your left side so the technician can perform another echocardiogram.
• Your heart rate, blood pressure and EKG will continue to be monitored after exercising until the levels are returning to normal.

How will I feel during the test?
You will be encouraged to exercise until you are exhausted. It is normal for your heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and perspiration to increase. This information will allow your physician to assess your heart's ability to function.

As you stop exercising suddenly, it is normal to feel a little unsteady when getting off the treadmill and onto the exam table for the echocardiogram.

If you begin to notice chest discomfort, excessive shortness of breath, lightheadedness, irregular heart beats or other symptoms of concern, tell the stress lab personnel immediately.

How long does the test take?
The appointment will take about 45 minutes. The actual exercise time is usually between 7 and 12 minutes.

How do I get the results of my test?
Your physician will mail the test results to you or discuss the results with you after a cardiologist has reviewed the information.