A stress echocardiogram (stress echo) is a noninvasive test that evaluates the function and structure of the heart when it is under stress. Stress can be induced through exercise or medication that increases the heart rate.
A stress echo combines a heart ultrasound (echocardiogram) with a standard stress test to check how effectively your heart pumps blood. It can help detect issues with heart valves, circulation, or muscle function and may reveal heart conditions that are not noticeable with a normal heart rate—when the body is at rest.
At CAM Medical Group, we offer stress echocardiograms using advanced diagnostic imaging and expert cardiology evaluations. Our diagnostic testing services ensure fast, accurate results without unnecessary delays.
An echocardiogram is a specialized ultrasound that provides a real-time view of your heart’s structure and function. Also known as a heart ultrasound, heart sonogram, echo test, or simply an echo, this diagnostic test creates moving images of your heart using ultrasound technology.
During the test, a handheld device called a transducer is placed on your chest. This device emits high-frequency sound waves that travel through your body and bounce off your heart. The returning echoes are then processed by a computer to create detailed, real-time images of your heart’s chambers, valves, and blood flow.
These images help:
Your heart pumps blood throughout the body, supplying oxygen and nutrients to your organs. When you exercise or experience stress, your heart works harder to meet the body’s increased demand for oxygen.
A stress echocardiogram simulates this effect to see if your heart is functioning properly under these conditions.
Like a standard echocardiogram, this test uses ultrasound technology to create detailed images of your heart in motion. However, instead of only capturing images of your heart at rest, a stress echocardiogram records images before and after stress.
Some heart conditions may not be apparent when the heart is at rest, but become noticeable when the heart is working harder.
Comparing pre- and post-stress images can help detect issues such as reduced blood flow or areas of the heart that are not contracting properly. This allows us to assess how well your heart adapts to increased workload and identify any issues that might exist.
A stress echo can help with:
Here are some common reasons why a stress echo may be recommended.
Stress echo is primarily used to diagnose and evaluate coronary artery disease (CAD). CAD is a condition where the arteries supplying blood to the heart become narrowed or blocked due to plaque buildup.
A stress echo can detect areas of the heart receiving an insufficient blood supply under stress and help determine the severity of CAD.
A stress echo is also useful for diagnosing and monitoring a range of other heart conditions, including:
If you are scheduled for surgery or a medical procedure, your doctor may order a stress echo to ensure your heart is strong enough to handle the procedure.
Stress echo is also useful in monitoring patients who have undergone balloon angioplasty, bypass surgery, or other heart treatments. This test helps assess the success of the procedure and guides rehabilitation.
At CAM Medical Group, we ensure that your stress echocardiogram is performed with precision and expert care. This test involves several key steps:
Our team of technicians will guide you through each stage to ensure a comfortable and informative experience. We begin by reviewing your medical history and any symptoms you may have been experiencing. Before the test, you will be asked to change into a medical gown, and small electrodes (sticky patches) will be placed on your chest.
These electrodes are connected to an electrocardiogram (EKG) machine, which continuously monitors your heart rate and rhythm throughout the test. A blood pressure cuff will also be placed on your arm to track any changes during the procedure.
Before stress is induced, we perform a resting echocardiogram to capture detailed ultrasound images of your heart while your body is in a relaxed state. A special gel is applied to your chest, and a handheld ultrasound probe (transducer) is used to assess your heart’s size, shape, function, and blood flow. This initial scan helps establish a baseline for comparison with the images taken after the stress phase.
Next, we will increase your heart rate to evaluate how it functions under stress. This can be achieved in one of two ways:
Once the target heart rate is reached, you will stop exercising. You will then be asked to immediately lie down, and a second echocardiogram is performed. This allows us to capture real-time images of your heart at peak stress, highlighting any areas that may not be functioning properly.
After the test, you will have time to cool down and recover. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored until they return to normal. Most patients recover within a few minutes and can resume daily activities immediately.
Our team will analyze both the resting and stress ultrasound images to make a detailed assessment of your heart health.
A stress echocardiogram is a powerful tool for assessing how well your heart functions under pressure. At CAM Medical Group, we use advanced ultrasound imaging and stress testing to evaluate your heart with precision.
We are committed to making your experience as easy as possible, so our team is proud to offer bilingual support in English and Spanish. For your convenience, we also offer flexible scheduling options, including Saturday hours and walk-in availability.
To schedule a consultation, walk into our clinic on W Wilson Ave or N Western Ave in Chicago. Alternatively, you can call us or request an appointment online.
