A Stress Echo is a diagnostic test that evaluates how your heart functions when it’s working harder than usual.

• It uses echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) before and after exercise or a stress-inducing medication.
• The test helps detect reduced blood flow (ischemia) or weakened heart muscles.
• It is often ordered if you have chest pain, shortness of breath, or risk factors for heart disease.

Doctors recommend a stress echocardiography for:

• Diagnosing coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Evaluating unexplained chest pain
• Assessing shortness of breath during exertion
• Determining exercise capacity before surgery or treatment
• Monitoring heart conditions like valve disease or cardiomyopathy

📊 According to the American Heart Association, stress echocardiography is more accurate than a standard treadmill stress test in detecting blocked arteries.

The procedure typically takes 45–60 minutes.

Step-by-step process:

• Resting Echo – An initial ultrasound image of your heart is taken at rest.
• Stress Induction – You’ll either:-
• Walk/run on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bike, OR
• Receive a medication (like dobutamine) to simulate exercise.
• Post-Stress Echo – Once your heart rate reaches the target level, ultrasound images are taken again.
• Comparison – A cardiologist compares the “before” and “after” images to check how well your heart pumps under stress.

• Non-invasive and safe (no surgery or injections needed, except for medication-based stress tests).
• Detects hidden heart problems that may not show at rest.
• Helps determine treatment options such as angioplasty, stenting, or lifestyle changes.
• Useful for monitoring progress in patients with known heart conditions.