The Heart Center at St. Rita's
Stress Test
(Echocardiogram with Exercise)
A stress echo is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with a walking exercise stress test. It allows the doctor to learn how the heart functions when it is made to work harder.

What You Should Know
If you are scheduled to receive a stress test, you should register with Outpatient Registration Area on the first floor of the Medical Center behind the Information Desk. You should arrive approximately one hour before your scheduled stress test time. Following registration, you will be directed to the Stress Lab on second floor in Cardiopulmonary Services. The entire procedure takes about one to one and half-hours.

To prepare for this test:

    Stress Test
  • No Solid Foods for Two Hours Before the Test
  • Avoid Caffeinated or Decaf Coffee, Tea, Colas, Chocolate and Cocoa 24 Hours Prior to the Test (You May Drink Water)
  • Wear Slacks if Possible - No One Piece Jump Suits
  • Take Medications as Scheduled with Small Sips of Water, Unless Otherwise Instructed by the Ordering Physician
  • Wear Comfortable Walking Shoes
  • Bring a List of Medications, Including Dose and Frequency

You and the cardiologist performing the test must sign an informed consent. Sticky patches are then applied to your chest and attached to an ECG machine to monitor the heart throughout the test. You will then lie on your left side on a special exam table. The echo technician will take ultrasound pictures of your heart. These are stored on a disk and videotape for comparison later.

When the cardiologist arrives, you will start exercising (e.g. on a treadmill, recumbent tricycle, etc.). The speed and/or incline will increase every two to three minutes to increase the heart rate. When the physician feels the patient has walked long enough or the heart rate is high enough, the treadmill will be stopped. You will immediately move back to the exam table and lie on your left side. The ultrasound pictures will be repeated. This is done to compare the pictures done before and after exercise.

After the test, the cardiologist may give you a preliminary report. Some physicians prefer to send the results to the ordering physician and the patient will have to discuss the results with that physician instead.

Stress Test (Echocardiogram With Exercise)

For More Information
(419) 226-9077
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Scheduling:
An appointment is required. To schedule an appointment, contact
St. Rita’s Central Scheduling at
(419) 226-9056, Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.