*STRESS

AND ECHOCARDIOGRAPHY

Echocardiography is a non-invasive method of testing for heart problems which involves taking an image of the heart using sound waves. This method allows specific areas of the heart to be viewed in a precise manner, and shows an indication of how well the heart is working.

If you are showing symptoms of heart problems, such as a shortness of breath or an unusual heartbeat, an echocardiogram will help determine where the issue lies by presenting an image of the hearts structure or any potential damage.

Stress echocardiography is a non-invasive method of testing how well your heart and vessels work, particularly during stimulating such as exercise. It involves the patient completing a treadmill exercise test while the heart rate, blood pressure and ECG is recorded and monitored. Alternatively, patients who are unable to exercise on the treadmill will be offered a dobutamine stress echo. Dobutamine will mimic the effect exercise has on the heart.

All video credit to Nucleus Medical Media.