The New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center offers Exercise Echocardiographic stress testing. Exercise echocardiography, also known as a stress echo, combines a resting echo with an exercise test. An exercise stress echocardiogram is ultrasound imaging of the heart before and after a treadmill exercise stress test. It shows how the chambers of the heart and heart valves handle physical work. The test helps cardiologists to find the cause of symptoms by evaluating heart function during physical stress or exercise. This is a painless and quick procedure used by the NYC cardiologist to determine how well your heart and blood vessels are working.
Results from this stress test are available shortly after the procedure. Compared to stress ECG alone, stress echo has a better diagnostic accuracy. The cardiologist, Dr. Steven Reisman, will explain your test results to you. If the results are normal, your heart is working properly and your blood vessels are probably not blocked due to coronary artery disease.
I can’t say enough good things about Dr. Reisman. I had my first appointment yesterday and I am beyond impressed. He is so patient and kind. He went through all of my history and and was extremely thorough. They performed tests that I needed right there on the spot! Go see Dr. Reisman if you want a cardiac doctor that truly listens, is extremely thorough, knows what he is doing, and can answer all of your questions. ~ ZocDoc
Doctor’s note: Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes. As you will be required to exercise, ensure you wear good walking or running shoes.
There are two parts to a Stress Echo test at our Manhattan facilities:
- The Manhattan cardiologist will ask you to remove your clothes from the waist up and to lie on an echo bed. Small sticky patches, called electrodes, will be attached to your chest and connected to the echo machine. The doctor will then perform a normal resting echo.
- The cardiologist will then ask you to do a treadmill or bicycle exercise so we can perform a second echo to complete the test.
The entire cardiovascular stress test at the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center will take approximately 1 1/2 hours. You will be asked to remove your shirt or blouse and given a towel or gown to keep you comfortable and maintain privacy. After lying on an examination table, the technologist will apply a colorless gel to your chest. A transducer will be moved across your chest to record different views of your heart.
During the stress echocardiogram, first, resting images of the heart are obtained. Second, an exercise tolerance test (ETT) or “stress test” is performed. The stress test measures your heart’s performance during physical activity. Electrodes will be placed on the chest in the same manner as an EKG. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and EKG will be recorded at rest, usually while you are lying on your back, and again while standing and during exercise.
Why is a Stress Echo Test performed?
- To assess the heart’s general function and structures
To assess stress or exercise tolerance in patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease
To determine limits for safe exercise in patients who are entering a cardiac rehabilitation program and/or those who are recovering from a cardiac event, such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) or heart surgery - Determine how well your heart tolerates activity
- Evaluate the function of your heart and valves
- Determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease
- To evaluate blood pressure levels during exercise
- To evaluate the cardiac status of a patient about to undergo surgery
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan
What Do the Echo Stress Test Results Mean?
The echocardiography stress test is a reliable way to diagnose your heart function. Dr. Reisman, your cardiologist in NYC will explain the results to you. Normal stress echo test results mean that your heart is functioning properly and your blood vessels aren’t blocked by coronary artery disease
Abnormal echo stress test results may indicate that your heart can’t effectively pump blood due to a possible blockage in your blood vessels. Another explanation can be a heart attack that damaged your heart. The echocardiography stress test can also show how well your current cardiac rehabilitation plan is working.
If you have any questions for the best in class NYC cardiologist or would like to schedule a consultation or appointment please feel free to contact Dr. Steven Reisman of the New York Cardiac Diagnostic Center and indicate which NYC office (Upper East Side, Midtown Manhattan, or Wall Street / Financial District) you would like to see the cardiologist for a cardiac consultation.
