Stress Echocardiogram

In most cases, a stress echocardiogram will take between 60 to 90 minutes to complete.

Here’s what will happen during the test:

1. The team will attach electrodes (sticky patches) to your chest to monitor your heart rate.

2. They’ll ask you to put on an arm cuff to measure your blood pressure. 

3. You may be given an injection of contrast agent (dye) to make the ultrasound images clearer.

4. A gel will be applied to your skin.

5. A transducer (handheld ultrasound wand) will be moved gently across your chest with help from the gel to take ultrasound images of your heart. This is called a resting echocardiogram.

6. You’ll then be asked to get on a stationary bike and start cycling.

7. You’ll continue cycling until your heart rate reaches peak levels or you experience the symptoms that are being investigated. 

8. You may be given a drug called dobutamine to increase your heart rate.

9. When you reach your peak heart rate, you’ll get off the bike.

10. More ultrasound images will be taken of your heart to determine whether your heart muscles are getting enough blood and oxygen when you’re exercising. This is called a stress echocardiogram. 

11. You’ll be asked to get back on the bike and cycle slowly to cool down.

12. When your heart rate and blood pressure have returned to your normal levels, the test is complete, and you can leave.

A stress echocardiogram is a non-invasive and safe test.

While complications are rare, some that may occur include:

• an abnormal heart rhythm

• dizziness

• an allergic reaction to the contrast agent

Your consultant will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure closely throughout the test. They’ll be on hand should you experience any symptoms or signs of distress.

Your consultant will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your stress echocardiogram. 

You may need to avoid alcohol, caffeine, and nicotine in the run-up to the test. You should keep taking any medications unless your consultant advises otherwise. Your consultant will let you know whether you need to stop eating or drinking for a short while before the test.

On the day of your test, wear comfortable clothes and shoes that you’ll be able to exercise in.

As with any exercise, depending on your fitness level, you may need to rest and hydrate afterwards.

When your consultant has the results and images from the stress echocardiogram, they’ll be able to assess the difference in function of your heart between the resting state and the stress state. This will tell them whether any regions of your heart become weaker during stress. If they do, this may suggest there’s an underlying condition such as coronary artery blockages. If your stress echocardiogram shows evidence of your heart weakening, your consultant may refer you onwards for further tests, such as an angiogram to assess the anatomical structure of your coronary arteries.

Your consultant will explain how and when you’ll get your results, what your next steps will be, and whether you’ll need any follow-up appointments.

Please contact our Heart Health centre for pricing information.

At Welbeck, our cardiologists are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing world-class care to every patient.

With access to colleagues across other specialties, our consultants are also able to refer within the Welbeck ecosystem if required to ensure you receive the treatment you need as quickly as possible, all under one roof.  

All appointments, testing, treatment, and follow-up appointments take place within our state-of-the-art facilities, enabling us to deliver accurate diagnostics and advanced treatments.

To book a stress echocardiogram, you must be referred by either your GP or a cardiologist following a consultation with them. Self-referrals are not accepted for this test.

If you would like to schedule a consultation with a cardiologist, please get in touch to make an appointment. Your health is important to us, so we strive to offer same-day appointments whenever possible.

Our consultants are recognised by the major health insurance companies. If you have private health insurance, your treatment at Welbeck can begin once you have obtained authorisation. We also provide care to self-paying patients. Learn more about the different payment options at Welbeck.