PROCEDURES
STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY
A stress echocardiography, also known as an echocardiography stress test, is done to evaluate how the heart and blood vessels function under stress. The heart’s functioning is assessed when the heart rate is raised – during exercise, for example. By taking ultrasound images of the heart in this state, your cardiologist can determine whether your heart muscles are getting enough blood and oxygen in such situations.
WHY DO I NEED IT?
You cardiologist may want to perform a stress echocardiography to evaluate your heart’s ability to function under stress if you have symptoms of chest pain. This test may also be done for those who have recently had a heart attack as part of their cardiac rehabilitation. The stress echocardiography is then done to determine how much exercise you can safely tolerate and how well treatments such as bypass grafting, angioplasty, and anti-anginal or antiarrhythmic medications are working.
HOW IS IT DONE?
Before the stress echocardiogram an ultrasound of your heart will be done to view the heart. The transducer used during the ultrasound will emit sound waves into your chest so that ultrasound images can be made of the heart and surrounding structures. Next, you will be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle for between 6 and 10 minutes while your blood pressure and heart rhythm is monitored. You will continue to exercise while the speed and the incline keep increasing every couple of minutes until you reach a certain heart rate or you are too tired to proceed. During this time, any chest pain, dizziness and weakness should then be communicated to your cardiologist. Immediately after exercising Dr van Rensburg will re-do the ultrasound to see how the heart and blood vessels have reacted to induced stress. Thereafter she will monitor your heart rate and blood pressure while you cool down until your heart rate returns to normal.
In cases where patients aren’t able to exercise to give us this information, this stress test can also be done chemically. This is when your cardiologist gives you medication in a drip to artificially raise your heart rate - as if you are running on a treadmill.
WHAT ABOUT AFTERWARDS?
The echocardiography stress test is very reliable, and Dr van Rensburg will be able to tell whether or not your heart is working properly, and if treatment or cardiac rehabilitation is working. Abnormal results may indicate damage to the heart muscle due to a heart attack, but they may also indicate the presence of coronary artery disease or a blockage in a blood vessel, which is essential to prevent future complications.