Exercise Echocardiography
What is Exercise Echocardiography?
Exercise echocardiography is a diagnostic test that involves performing an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) both before and after a stress test. The echocardiogram provides information about the heart's function, while the stress test measures the heart’s performance and capacity. The test is used to assist in diagnosing or ruling out coronary artery disease and to monitor valvular heart diseases. Exercise echocardiography allows the heart’s function to be examined under higher stress conditions than at rest, enhancing the ability to diagnose issues with blood supply to the heart muscle and the impact of valvular diseases on heart function.
How Is It Performed?
The test is performed using a treadmill, which is used to assess the body's response to physical activity. During the test, the heart’s movement is evaluated via echocardiography. The heart rate, blood pressure, and electrocardiogram (ECG) are also monitored. The stress test is conducted by a technician under the supervision of a doctor.
When is Exercise Echocardiography Recommended?
Exercise echocardiography is recommended when there is suspicion of inadequate blood supply to the heart muscle (ischemia). It helps identify areas of the heart muscle that do not contract properly under stress, indicating insufficient blood supply due to narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries. Additionally, exercise echocardiography can detect changes in valve function and assess the impact of valvular conditions on heart performance after exercise.
It is also recommended when a patient complains of symptoms such as chest pain or shortness of breath, and there is a need to assess a potential link to ischemic heart disease or worsening of valvular disease.