Ultrasound waves (inaudible sound waves) are used to image the heart and assess its function before and immediately after the exercise to see how the heart muscle pump is working, and sometimes to measure other parameters. There is no radiation from this test (Xrays), it is the same technology that is used to take pictures of a baby during pregnancy.
Why do you need a stress echo?
There are several reasons your doctor may request a Stress Echo including:
Exclusion of ischaemic heart disease (to see if there is reduced blood supply to any portion of the heart during exercise which may represent a significant blockage in a coronary artery supplying blood to that part of the heart muscle)
Fitness to drive (commercial heavy vehicle licence or private licence)
Fitness for joining a gym or a specific exercise program
Fitness for surgery from a cardiac perspective
Assessing valvular problems and lung pressures (pulmonary hypertension) during exercise
Why do your stress echo at The Cardiologists?
At The Cardiologists stress echos are done by a senior echo technician as well as an experienced specialist echo cardiologist ensuring a highly accurate assessment. The report will be immediately available to your GP and the echo cardiologist will contact your referring doctor (GP or Specialist) if further management is required.