Stress Echocardiogram and Understanding Your Heart During Exercise

Your heart works differently when you are active.

When you walk, exercise or climb stairs, your heart needs to work harder to supply blood around your body.

Sometimes, a doctor may want to see how your heart responds when it is under controlled stress.

A Stress Echocardiogram is a heart test that combines an Echocardiogram with controlled exercise or, in some cases, medicine that makes the heart work harder.

It allows a cardiologist to look at the heart before and during the period of increased workload.

Your GP or cardiologist may recommend this test based on your symptoms, medical history or other test results.

What Is a Stress Echocardiogram?

A Stress Echocardiogram uses ultrasound to create images of your heart.

Unlike a standard Echocardiogram, which looks at the heart while you are resting, a Stress Echocardiogram also looks at the heart when it is working harder.

The test can provide information about:

• Heart movement
• Heart muscle
• Heart chambers
• Heart valves
• How the heart responds to increased workload

The test your cardiologist recommends will depend on your individual health needs.

Why Might a Doctor Recommend One?



There are different reasons why a doctor may consider a Stress Echocardiogram.

It may be recommended when a person has symptoms such as:

• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Dizziness
• Other symptoms that occur during activity

A doctor may also recommend the test when they need more information after another heart assessment.

A Stress Echocardiogram is not suitable or necessary for everyone.

Your GP or cardiologist can decide whether it is appropriate based on your individual circumstances.

What Happens During a Stress Echocardiogram?



The test usually involves several stages.

First, your healthcare professional may check your heart rate and blood pressure.

An initial Echocardiogram may then be performed while your heart is at rest.

If exercise is suitable, you may then exercise on a treadmill or another exercise device while your heart rate and other measurements are monitored.

As your heart works harder, additional ultrasound images may be taken.

The healthcare professional monitors you during the test.

Once the exercise period finishes, your heart rate will gradually return towards its usual level.

The exact process can vary depending on the type of test being performed.

What If You Cannot Exercise?

Not everyone can exercise enough for a standard exercise based Stress Echocardiogram.

This may be due to mobility problems, physical limitations or other health concerns.

In some cases, medication may be used to increase the heart's workload instead of exercise.

Your cardiologist will decide whether this type of test is appropriate for you.

They can also explain how the test will be performed and what preparation may be required.

Is a Stress Echocardiogram Painful?



A Stress Echocardiogram does not usually involve an operation or procedure inside the body.

During an exercise based test, you will need to walk or exercise while being monitored.

You may feel tired or short of breath as your heart works harder. This is expected during controlled exercise.

If you experience discomfort or have concerns during the test, tell the healthcare professional performing the examination.

Your health and safety are monitored throughout the test.

How Should You Prepare?

Your healthcare team will give you instructions before your appointment.

Depending on the type of Stress Echocardiogram, you may receive instructions about:

• Eating before the test
• Drinking
• Exercise
• Medicines
• Clothing
• Footwear

Do not change or stop any medication unless your doctor or healthcare team tells you to do so.

If you are unsure about preparation, contact the clinic before your appointment.

How Long Does the Test Take?

The time needed for a Stress Echocardiogram can vary.

It includes preparation, the resting heart images, the exercise or medication part and monitoring afterwards.

Your healthcare team can tell you how much time you should allow for the appointment.



It is a good idea to avoid planning something immediately after the test if you are unsure about how long your appointment will take.

What Can the Test Show?

A Stress Echocardiogram gives your cardiologist information about how your heart behaves when the workload increases.

The images taken at different stages can be compared.

Your cardiologist may look at:

• Heart muscle movement
• Heart function
• Heart valves
• Changes that occur as your heart works harder

The results are considered together with your symptoms, medical history and other relevant tests.

A Stress Echocardiogram is one part of a wider cardiac assessment.

Stress Echocardiogram vs Standard Echocardiogram



These tests are related but they are not the same.

A standard Echocardiogram looks at your heart while you are resting.

A Stress Echocardiogram includes additional testing while your heart is under controlled stress.



Your cardiologist will decide which test is appropriate for your situation.

What Happens After the Test?



After the Stress Echocardiogram, the recorded images and other information are reviewed.

Your cardiologist can discuss the results with you and explain what they mean in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

Depending on the results, your doctor may recommend:

• Follow up
• Monitoring
• Further cardiac testing
• Medical management
• No additional testing at that time

The next step depends on your individual circumstances.

When Should You Speak With Your GP?



If you have symptoms that concern you, speak with your GP.

This may include:

• Chest discomfort
• Shortness of breath
• Palpitations
• Dizziness
• Reduced ability to exercise
• Symptoms that occur during physical activity

Your GP can assess your symptoms and determine whether a referral to a cardiologist or further testing may be appropriate.

If you experience sudden severe chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, collapse or another medical emergency, call 000.

Stress Echocardiogram at Heartlink Cardiology

Heartlink Cardiology provides cardiology consultations and cardiac investigations for patients in Springfield Central and nearby areas.

If your GP or cardiologist has recommended a Stress Echocardiogram, the Heartlink Cardiology team can explain what the test involves and what preparation may be needed.

Your healthcare professional will consider your individual circumstances when deciding which cardiac investigation is appropriate.

Heartlink Cardiology

SmartCare Diagnostics
Shop 6/95 Southern Cross Cct
Springfield Central, QLD 4300

Phone

07 3063 9596

Frequently Asked Questions