A stress echocardiogram is a test that is used to help detect how well the heart is working. It can also tell a physician if some type of heart disease is causing the symptoms being experienced. It is a non-invasive test that uses ultrasound and electrodes to show pictures of the heart, and record the heart's activity. It can be used before, during and after exercise. If exercise is not possible, medications that stimulate the heart will be administered. There are various reasons for a stress echocardiogram, which can help to detect heart disease in its early stages.
Determine Heart Muscle Functioning
A stress echocardiogram is often used to help determine how well the heart muscle is functioning, states the Cleveland Clinic. This exam accomplishes this by placing the heart muscle under stress, either through exercise or medication. The goal is to see how well the heart muscle responds when it is working harder, and how well it is able to recover from being stressed. A healthy heart should slowly start to beat faster as exercise intensity increases, and then quickly come back to a normal resting beat after exercise stops. In an unhealthy heart, the heart rate may rise too quickly and go too high. This may or may not occur with symptoms, such as dizziness, lightheadedness and chest pain or tightness, which also signal heart disease. If the heart is not functioning well, it will also take longer for it to recover from exercise. Before, during and after the test a cardiologist will explain the results of the test and what they mean.
Check for Coronary Artery Disease
Coronary artery disease is a major risk factor for a heart attack or stroke. It occurs when plaque builds up along the artery walls, making them narrow and hard. This reduces the amount of blood and oxygen that can get to the heart and brain. If the blockage is severe enough, a heart attack or stroke can occur. Coronary artery disease can be present without causing any signs or symptoms. The National Institutes of Health explains that because a stress echocardiogram can show images of the heart and blood vessels, it can detect blockages in the arteries before symptoms occur. It can also show how blood flows through the heart and vessels in response to exercise, which will identify areas not getting adequate blood and oxygen. If there are problems detected, treatment can start, and a plan can be formed to prevent serious illness.
Identify Structural Problems
According to the Minneapolis Heart Institute, a stress echocardiogram can provide pictures of the heart muscle, its valves and the pericardium--the sac that surrounds the heart. This can help to identify changes to the heart structure that may cause symptoms or disease. The valves of the heart can become damaged or malfunction for many reasons. If the valves are damaged, or not closing properly, blood flow will be interrupted and heart disease can occur. Disease can also lead to inflammation of the pericardium and/or cause areas of the heart to become enlarged. Both can create symptoms and impair normal heart functioning. If the stress echocardiogram shows any structural problems, additional tests can be ordered to help diagnose any underlying conditions that are causing these changes.
