What does a stress echo test tell you?

Stress echocardiography is a test that uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle is working to pump blood to your body. It is most often used to detect a decrease in blood flow to the heart from narrowing in the coronary arteries.

What is the difference between ECHO and stress echo?

The sound waves bounce (or echo) off structures in your heart, and the echoes are shown as images on a monitor. A stress echo compares the activity of your heart when it is at rest to when it is working hard.

Is an echocardiogram considered radiology?

An echocardiogram is a test that uses sound waves to create pictures of the heart. The picture and information it produces is more detailed than a standard x-ray image. An echocardiogram does not expose you to radiation.

How long does an echocardiogram stress test take?

The test takes from 30-60 minutes. Prior to exercising, an echocardiogram is done by applying colorless gel to the chest and placing the echo transducer on top of it. You will also wear a blood pressure cuff to allow blood pressure monitoring.

Can I drink coffee before an echo?

Yes. However, DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test. Avoid caffeinated products (cola, Mountain Dew®, chocolate products, coffee, and tea) for 24 hours before the test, as caffeine will interfere with the results of the test.

What should you not do before an echocardiogram?

Food and medications No special preparations are necessary for a standard transthoracic echocardiogram. You can eat, drink and take medications as you normally would. If you’re having a transesophageal echocardiogram, your doctor will ask you not to eat for several hours beforehand.

How do you know if ECG is normal?

Normal intervals Normal range 120 – 200 ms (3 – 5 small squares on ECG paper). QRS duration (measured from first deflection of QRS complex to end of QRS complex at isoelectric line). Normal range up to 120 ms (3 small squares on ECG paper).

Does being nervous affect blood pressure?

Anxiety causes the release of stress hormones in the body. These hormones trigger an increase in the heart rate and a narrowing of the blood vessels. Both of these changes cause blood pressure to rise, sometimes dramatically.

Can I keep my bra on during an ECG?

Remove all jewelry from your neck, arms, and wrists. Men are usually bare-chested during the test. Women may often wear a bra, T-shirt, or gown. You will be given a cloth or paper covering to use during the test.

Do I have to take my bra off for an echocardiogram?

To get good pictures, the probe needs to be covered in a special lubricant gel. Therefore, to have an echocardiogram, you need to take your clothes off from the waist up – including any bra. You will be offered a gown to wear instead.

What diseases can ECG detect?

Electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG) to assess the heart rate and rhythm. This test can often detect heart disease, heart attack, an enlarged heart, or abnormal heart rhythms that may cause heart failure.

How do I know if something is wrong with my heart?

Some people may feel a crushing pain, while others feel only mild discomfort. Your chest may feel heavy or like someone is squeezing your heart. You may also feel a sharp, burning pain in your chest. You may feel the pain under your breastbone (sternum), or in your neck, arms, stomach, jaw, or upper back.

What are the signs of heart problems in a woman?

Heart Attack Symptoms in WomenUncomfortable pressure, squeezing, fullness or pain in the center of your chest. Pain or discomfort in one or both arms, the back, neck, jaw or stomach.Shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort.Other signs such as breaking out in a cold sweat, nausea or lightheadedness.