Stress Echocardiogram in NYC
What is a stress echocardiogram?
A stress echocardiogram, also known as a stress echo, is a test that can help your doctor assess if your heart and blood vessels are in good health through the use of exercise and ultrasound imaging.
Why is a stress echocardiogram used?
A stress echocardiogram is used to evaluate the condition of your heart and blood vessels. A stress echocardiogram can help confirm if you have coronary artery disease or if you had a heart attack. In general, a stress echocardiogram may be used to help your doctor:
- Evaluate how effectively your heart pumps blood
- Diagnose certain heart conditions or diseases
- Assess the size of your heart
- Determine whether certain treatments are working or needed
What does a stress echocardiogram involve?
A stress echocardiogram procedure typically involves three parts. The first part, called a resting echocardiogram, begins with your doctor applying adhesive sensors to your chest, which will help to monitor the activity of your heart throughout testing. Next, your doctor will ask you to lie on your side with your arm extended. Your doctor will then apply a gel to the surface of your skin and use a medical device to create an ultrasound image of your heart and other structures.
The second part of a stress echocardiogram, called a stress test, involves your doctor assessing how your heart reacts to physical activity. This portion of the test will involve you exercising on a treadmill or other exercise equipment. The exercise will start off at a steady, easy pace, with your doctor gradually increasing the level of difficulty to raise your heart rate and see how your heart reacts to increased levels of physical activity.
Once the exercise portion is complete, your doctor will begin the third part of the test, called the stress echocardiography. During the stress echocardiography, your doctor will instruct you to stop exercising and perform an ultrasound to create images of your heart.
If at any point during testing, you begin to feel dizzy, weak, or experience pain in the left side of your chest, alert your doctor immediately.
What are the benefits of a stress echocardiogram?
A stress echocardiogram has various benefits, including:
- Providing doctors with reliable results
- Assessing the health of your heart
- Evaluating your blood vessels for blockages
- Helping to diagnose coronary artery disease
- Helping to assess your risk of a heart attack
If you are interested in learning more about the stress echocardiogram, visit Heart Vein NYC. Our heart and vein doctors at Heart Vein NYC have over 20 years of experience providing the New York City area with comprehensive, personalized cardiovascular care. Contact our compassionate heart doctors if you want to learn more about the tests we offer to help you work towards a heart-healthy future. Call (212) 226-8000 or schedule an appointment with Heart Vein NYC today.
