Stress Echocardiogram
Copyright 2001-2007, Daviess Community Hospital
1314 East Walnut Street - Post Office Box 760 - Washington, Indiana 47501- (812) 254-2760
Procedure Title:
Stress Echocardiogram
Patient Name:
__________________________________________
Appointment Time:
When:________________________
Date:__________________________
Time:________________________
Where:
You will report to the admitting office (main hospital entrance). Then report to Radiology. Someone from Ultrasound will be with you as soon as possible.
Purpose :
This test uses sound waves to take images of the heart to see if there is any change in heart motion when it is stressed. There is no radiation involved.
Preparation:
DO NOT TAKE BLOOD PRESSURE MEDICINES PRIOR TO THIS EXAM. Sometimes a regular echocardiogram may need to be performed if one has not been done recently.
Procedure:
This examination usually takes about 45-90 minutes. A water-based gel will be applied over the front and left sides of your chest. Electrodes will be placed on your chest similar to an EKG. A plastic device called a transducer will be moved over your chest to obtain the necessary images for the cardiologist prior to the stress portion of this exam to obtain resting images of the heart. After this you need to walk on a treadmill to raise your heart rate. When your heart rate is high enough we will need to take more images of the heart as soon as possible while the heart rate is high. The cardiologist will be present in the room while this test is done.
After Car
e
:
You may resume all normal activities after the test. Follow up with your attending physician to discuss results. Results usually are available to the physician in 2 business days.
Please call (812) 254-8851 to talk with one of the Ultrasound Technologists if you have any questions.
Reviewed:
12/18/2007