| Where It's Done | Who Does It | How Long It Takes | Discomfort/Pain |
| Same as for exercise stress test. | Doctor with nurse or technician. | 20-90 minutes. | Same as for exercise stress test. |
| Results Ready When | Special Equipment | Risks/Complications | Average Cost |
| Same as for exercise stress test. | Same as for exercise stress test, plus ultrasound equipment. | Same as for exercise stress test. | $$$ |
Stress test with echocardiography.
PurposeSame as for exercise stress test, and also to evaluate the heart muscle and valves in action.
How it worksThe heart is evaluated with ultrasound, usually after administering a drug (dobutamine) that mimics the effects of exercise. Less frequently, it is done after an exercise stress test.
PreparationSame as for an exercise stress test and echocardiography.
Test procedureSame as for an exercise stress test, plus the following:
- An echocardiogram (see page 103) is taken before and after exercise.
- The test may also be performed with a medication, given through an intravenous tube, that mimics the effects of exercise and can therefore substitute for the exercise portion of the test (dobutamine). This is valuable in patients who cannot exercise.
Same as for an exercise stress test.
Factors affecting resultsSame as for echocardiography and an exercise stress test.
InterpretationThe test is evaluated for the development of abnormal contractions (heartbeats) during exercise. This suggests an inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle.
AdvantagesSame as for an exercise stress test, and also it's a noninvasive way to evaluate function of the heart muscle and valves and detect coronary disease.
DisadvantagesSame as for an exercise stress test, and also the equipment is expensive and not available at all testing centers.
