Stress/Echo Test?
Hi,
I'm going in for a stress/echo test next week and was wondering what to expect for the testing. I'm going because I want to make sure I'm in good shape and fit wise working properly before starting any work out programs.
I'm wondering about stuff like:
* Does a doctor do the test or a lab tech?
* Which is done first, the stress test, or the echocardiogram?
* Can the doctor look at the results in the room for the stress/echo test on the same day, and give you some information?
* How are the tests different?
*Anything else you find useful.
Any info is appreciated!
Thanks!
-George
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Answers & Comments
Verified answer
Hi George I have had a few stress eccos, basically they wire you up to
1.automatic blood pressure machine that takes you blood pressure whilst your on the treadmill
2. Wires that take you heart rate, oxygen level and ECG
They get you to run on a treadmil untill they get your heart rate up, with me it was to about 180 BPM.
Then they get you to stop lay down and they perform an ultra sound (echocardiogram) of your heart, pain free if you are fit. I would reccomend not changing anything your doing from now untill the test as you will get an accurate result.
For me I had a tech and my cardiolgist present either way the tech is able to print off the computer report for the doctor that shows exactly what went on. This test shows how well the heart is working at full throttol. All the best
well when i had mine done a dr came in to get me started then left me with the tech. he came back later and gave me some info, but it was very general "looks good". i had my tests done on 2 different visits. the stress test involes you running on a treadmill for about 2 minutes i think. the echocardiogram is much like an ultrasound done on pregnant women. it'll be a little cold but not uncomfortable. hope this helped...