It involves exercise work on a treadmill or the use of a drug (dobutamine) that increase both the heart rate and the force with which the heart contracts. ECG monitoring will also be provided during the procedure.
Firstly, the ECG monitor will be set up with electrodes attached to your chest, and a blood pressure cuff placed around an upper arm. Next, an echocardiogram (echo) will be done while your body remains resting. Please see the relevant pages to learn more about these tests.
Next, you will asked to undertake a 6-10 minute burst of exercise on the treadmill or have a drug administered. During this time your ECG, heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored. Once your heart rate reaches a pre-specified level, a second echo will be conducted to image your heart working under stress and provide a comparison with your resting echo.
You can then cool down, including slowly walking around, while your heart rate and blood pressure return to their resting levels.
The procedure normally takes 45-60 minutes and once completed most patients can return to their normal activities without any issues.
We believe the best cardiac care can only be achieved by the best cardiologists in their fields, working together, for you and your heart. Our consultants are able to offer appointments throughout the week and at weekends.