Exercise Echocardiogram

What to Expect

During the Procedure

• Description of the room, monitoring devices, positions, and equipment that will be used - The procedure is performed in a room large enough to hold an EKG machine, an echo machine, a treadmill or stationary bicycle, and a blood pressure monitor. The equipment used includes an EKG machine, an echo machine, skin electrodes, and lead wires that attach to the skin electrodes. A blood pressure cuff attached to an electronic monitoring machine is used. A treadmill or stationary bicycle is used for exercise. You will have initial, or "baseline," EKG and blood pressure readings done while you are lying on a table or bed prior to exercising. You will walk on the treadmill or pedal the bicycle during the exercise portion of the procedure. You will again lie on the table or bed after exercising while another set of echo images is obtained.
  
  
• Anesthesia - None required.
  
  
• Basic description of the procedure:
  
  
  • The technician will ask you to remove your clothing from the waist up. Your privacy will be maintained by drapes across your chest and by limiting access into the procedure area.
    
    
  • If your chest, arms, or legs are very hairy, the technician may shave very small patches, as needed, so that the electrodes will stick closely to the skin.
    
    
  • EKG electrodes will be attached to your chest. The lead wires will be attached to the skin electrodes.
    
    
  • Once the leads are attached to the skin electrodes, the technician may key in identifying information about you into the machine's computer.
    
    
  • A blood pressure cuff is attached to your arm.
    
    
  • Baseline EKG and blood pressure readings are taken as you lie on a table or bed.
    
    
  • You will lie on your left side for the first set of echo images. A pillow or wedge will be placed behind your back for support.
    
    
  • The technician will place warmed gel on your chest and then place the transducer probe on the gel. You will feel a slight pressure as the technician positions the transducer to get the desired image of your heart.
    
    
  • During the test, the technician will move the transducer probe around and apply varying amounts of pressure to obtain images of different locations and structures of your heart. The amount of pressure behind the probe should not be uncomfortable. If it does make you uncomfortable, however, let the technician know.
    
    
  • Once the echo images have been obtained, you will get on the treadmill or bicycle to begin exercising.
    
    
  • You will exercise until you have reached your target heart rate (determined by the physician based on your age and physical condition), or until you are unable to continue due to chest pain, leg pain, severe shortness of breath, or severe fatigue.
    
    
  • Once you have reached your target heart rate, you will continue to exercise for another minute or so.
    
    
  • You will again lie on the table or bed while a second set of echo images is obtained.
    
    
  • After the procedure has been completed, the technician will wipe the gel from your chest and remove the EKG electrodes. You may then put on your clothes.
    
    
  • When the procedure is competed, you may leave unless instructed otherwise by your physician.
    
    
• Procedure time - The test normally takes approximately 45 to 60 minutes, depending on how many different techniques are used and the quality of images obtainable. However, events such as schedule delays, emergencies, and other factors may delay the start of your procedure, or prolong the length of it.

After the Procedure

• Recovery - There is normally no recovery necessary after this procedure.
  
  
• Length of stay - None, unless your physician determines that your condition requires further observation or hospital admission.
  
  
• Recuperation time - You may feel tired for several hours or longer after the procedure, particularly if you do not normally exercise. Otherwise, you should feel normal within a few hours after the procedure, if not sooner.
  
  
• Outcome - Depending on the results of the exercise echo, additional tests or procedures may be scheduled for further diagnostic information.
  

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