What happens during the stress echocardiogram?
The treadmill portion of the test resembles that of the exercise tolerance test. In this case, after your heart rate reaches a certain limit, you will be asked to quickly lie down on your left side for the echocardiography portion of the test. Initially, the operator will place electrodes on your chest, and attach them by leads to an ECG machine so that your heart rhythm can be monitored throughout the test. The operator will put a harmless, odorless gel on your chest. The gel will feel a little cool and moist at first. The gel helps the transducer pick up the sound waves from your heart. This device looks like a wand or a microphone. The transducer both generates and receives the sound signals. The operator will put the transducer on your chest, in relation to the structures that need to be visualized. He or she will press firmly as they move the transducer in arcs across your chest. You may be asked to participate by inhaling, exhaling or holding your breath at various times during t
