Stress echocardiography

Procedure:

A resting echocardiogram is obtained prior to stress. The patient is subjected to stress in the form of exercise or chemically (usually dobutamine). After the target heart rate is achieved, `stress` echocardiogram images are obtained. The two echocardiogram images are then compared to assess for any abnormalities in wall motion of the heart.

Major Indications:

• To assess the heart`s function and structures
• To assess stress or exercise tolerance in people with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD)
• To further assess the degree of known heart valve disease
• To determine limits for safe exercise before one starts a Cardiac rehabilitation program and/or are recovering from a Cardiac event, such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) or heart surgery
• To evaluate the Cardiac status before heart surgery