Exams Performed in the Echocardiography (ECHO) Lab Echocardiography (Echo) Lab | Page 9

Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
An exercise stress echocardiogram, sometimes called a stress echo, is used to determine
how your heart responds when it is working the hardest. It is used to better assess the
heart’s response to stress. The test may also be used to evaluate heart valve function.
Why is a stress echo performed?
The test is used to:
• Determine your likelihood of having significant coronary artery disease.
• Determine how well your heart tolerates stress.
• Identify abnormal heart rhythms.
• Assess your heart valve function.
• Assess the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.
• Help you develop a safe exercise program.
Can I eat or drink on the day of the test?
• Yes. However, DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test.
• Avoid all products that contain caffeine for at least 24 hours before the test, as caffeine
may interfere with the results. Caffeine may be found in tea, coffee, carbonated soft
drinks, and chocolate. Please be aware that “decaffeinated” products may contain trace
amounts of caffeine.
• DO NOT SMOKE ON THE DAY OF THE TEST, as nicotine may interfere with the results.
• Any medication should only be taken with small sips of water.
Should I take my medications the day of the test?
DO NOT take any over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine, such as many diet
pills, NoDoz, and Excedrin, for 24 hours before the test. Ask your physician or health care
provider if you have questions about other medications that may contain caffeine.
DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your physician
tells you otherwise or if it is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test:
• Beta blockers [e.g., atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor,
Toprol), Propranolol (Inderal)]
• Calcium channel blockers [e.g., diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT), verapamil (Calan,
Verelan)]