Stress Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram is a two-in-one tool that compares cardiac function at a rested and stressed state. Like a regular echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound where sound waves are used to create and capture images of your heart and surrounding structures, will be used. Then you will step onto the treadmill, which allows us to monitor your heart at varying levels of excercise. You will then get back onto the ultrasound bed to have another look at your heart while it is still elevated. Unprecedented image quality is produced non-invasively, safely, and with absolutely no radiation involved!
Please follow these instructions the day of your stress echocardiogram :
- No coffee, tea, chocolate or soda pop. Please also avoid decaf products since they still have trace amounts of caffeine that can interfere with your test.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for your time on the treadmill.
- Bring a list of your medications with you.
- Eat well and stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest the night before.
- If you take any prescribed medication that ends in the letters “LOL”, you will stop taking this medication a full 24 hours before your appointment time.
How long will the appointment last ?
It usually takes between 30-45 minutes for the echo to be completed. The duration will depend on what specifically is being investigated in your case.
