What is an Echocardiogram Stress Test?
An Echocardiogram Stress Test (Stress Echo) is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with a stress test. A stress echo looks at how the heart functions when it is made to work harder. The stress echo is identical to the stress exercise test, except, an echocardiogram is performed before and after you exercise. The stress echo is especially useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease and the presence of blockages in the coronary arteries (the vessels that supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle). What does the test show? An Echocardiogram stress test is performed to evaluate the function of your heart, mainly your left ventricle (main pumping chamber) when the heart is under stress. This test can help evaluate the following: • Your risk for coronary artery disease. • If the symptoms you are experiencing (i.e., chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, unexplained fatigue, palpitations, lightheadedness, etc.) are caused by a blockage to your heart or other heart c
