Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (Treadmil)
Quick facts
An exercise stress echocardiogram (ECG) uses ultrasound images to compare heart activity before and immediately after exercise.
It’s also called an exercise ECG, treadmill ECG or stress test.
We use this test to check how the valves and other structures of the heart respond under the stress of exercise; and to look for possible narrowing of arteries that supply the heart.
There are certain things you need to do on the day of your test, like eat lightly, avoid body lotions and wear comfortable clothes.
The test usually takes 45-60 minutes.
Summary
An exercise stress echocardiogram (ECG) is a test that compares heart activity before and immediately after exercise. It’s also called an exercise ECG, treadmill ECG or stress test.
In this test, we use ultrasound pictures of the heart before and after exercise; and monitor your heart while you walk on a treadmill.
This test is sometimes done in addition to a transthoracic echocardiogram to gather important information about your heart.
This test allows us to look for possible narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the heart muscle.
It also allows us to check how the valves and other structures of the heart respond under the stress of exercise.
What to expect
The test is done in two stages.
In stage one, we perform an ultrasound of your heart at rest as you lie down.
In stage two, you will walk on a treadmill that increases in speed and incline every three minutes.
At all times during the test, you will be connected to machinery by sticky electrodes placed on your chest.
A doctor will monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, ultrasound ECG and check how you feeling during and after the test.
How to prepare:
Before the test:
On the day of your exercise stress echocardiogram, we ask that you:
Eat a light meal at least 2 hours before the test.
Avoid using any lotions on your chest that may interfere with the sticky electrodes.
Bring a complete list of medications to your appointment. Some medications can affect the body’s responses to exercise and ECG patterns so we need to know what you’re taking.
Bring or wear comfortable clothing and footwear. Some people choose to wear exercise clothing (e.g. shorts or tights).
A two-piece outfit is recommended as you’ll be asked to undress to the waist. Women are given a gown to wear.
At your appointment:
We’ll prepare you for the test by cleansing the areas of your chest where the electrodes are placed with alcohol wipes.
Some men require a small amount of shaving to ensure good electrical contact between the electrode and skin.
Ten adhesive electrodes are then attached to the chest and connected to leads. The leads provide the signals for the ECG to record your heart’s activity.
During the exercise stress echocardiogram (ECG) test:
Stage one – ultrasound
The test will start with an ultrasound of your heart as you rest on a bed.
An accredited cardiac sonographer will place a special probe with ultrasound gel on various parts of the chest wall to view the heart from different angles.
The sonographer may ask you to breathe in or out and hold your breath several times to record the best pictures.
You’ll also be asked to stand on the treadmill to record an at rest image.
Stage two – treadmill
The second part of the test will start with you walking on a treadmill, initially very slowly.
You’ll be shown how to hold the treadmill bars with your hands and extend your feet as far forward as possible.
You’ll be asked to continue for as long as possible at which point the treadmill will stop.
When the treadmill stops, you’ll quickly lie back down in the same position for another ultrasound of your heart.
Recovery and monitoring
After the test, the technician will monitor you while you return to your usual resting level.
Timing
The exercise stress echocardiogram (ECG) usually takes 45-60 minutes.