An echo is performed by using ultrasound waves
to make a picture of your heart as it beats in your chest. These
sound waves are harmless and you won't feel them as they are
passed between the spaces in your ribs to make a motion picture
of the heart as it pumps blood. This motion picture is recorded
on videotape and studied by a cardiologist who makes a report
for your physician.
An echo can tell many important things about
your heart including its size, how strongly it pumps blood, and
how well the valves are working. It is also very useful for identifying
many of the common problems that can occur with the heart. This
makes it a very useful test for providing information about your
heart's overall health.
Your physician may order an echocardiogram
to be done with an exercise (stress) test to determine how your
heart functions when it's made to work harder through exercise.
If you're unable to exercise (usually
walking on a treadmill or riding a stationary bicycle) to the
needed level of exertion, your physician may use a drug to stress
your heart. The most commonly used medication is Dobutamine. This
drug stimulates the heart to create an effect similar to vigorous
exercise.
Your stress echo will be performed by a cardiologist
who will be assisted by a special technician called a sonographer.
A sonographer has received special training in operating the echo
equipment to make sure the most detailed pictures of your heart
are obtained.
Preparation
Prior to receiving your stress echo, you may
be:
• advised not to eat or drink for
4 hours prior to the test in order to prevent feeling
sick to your stomach.
• told to stop taking some of your
heart medications a day or two before the test to help
make the results more accurate.
• asked to wear loose, comfortable
clothing and walking shoes or sneakers for your test.
• asked to sign a consent form for
the procedure (this is a good time to ask any questions
or voice any concerns you may have).
After you meet your sonographer, you will
be taken to a dimly lit room where the stress echo will be performed.
Several small electrodes will be attached to your body to record
the heart's electrical activity during the test. If you cannot
walk on a treadmill, an intravenous (IV) line will be inserted
in your arm to administer medications to stress your heart.
Procedure
After a special gel is applied to your chest,
the sonographer will move the echo probe over your chest wall
to obtain the pictures of your heart. At times you may be asked
to hold your breath or turn in different positions, in order to
obtain the best possible pictures. Most patients report no discomfort
during the procedure, which can take up to one and a half hours.
Because you are having a stress test, a nurse
or technician will monitor your heart rate, rhythm and blood pressure
before, during and after the test. If Dobutamine is given, the
dose will be increased every few minutes to give the same effect
as exercise. Sometimes an additional medication (Atropine) is
given to increase the heart rate further.
During each stage of the process, the sonographer
takes additional sets of pictures of your heart. After the test
is finished, another medication may be given to reverse the effects
of Dobutamine and return your heart rate to normal.
Although the exercise or Dobutamine test is
safe, a small amount of risk does exist because the exercise and
medication temporarily places stress on the heart. Complications
are rare, but, like with exercise, may include abnormal heart
rhythms and low blood pressure. The risk of causing a heart attack
is very low and occurs very rarely.
Your Recovery
After the stress echo is finished, the electrodes
will be removed and the gel wiped from your chest. A cardiologist
will review the echo videotape and send a report to your physician
who will likely contact you to discuss the results.
Your Good Health
Regardless of the results of your study and
the course of treatment your physician recommends, you play an
important role in staying healthy. Be sure to keep all appointments
for exams and follow-up tests. Follow your instructions, don't
hesitate to talk about your concerns, and immediately report any
new symptoms.
As always, if you have any questions about
your health, be sure to ask your physician.
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
Your
Stress Echocardiogram (Echo)