Nuclear Medicine Department
(910) 341-3312 or (910) 341-3456
Your health care provider has recommended you have an Exercise Stress Echo. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment and allow 60-90 minutes to complete the test. You will NOT need a driver.
What is an Exercise Stress Echo?
An exercise stress echocardiogram (echo) is a type of cardiac test that combines an echo (ultrasound of the heart) with exercise to assess how well the heart functions under stress. It helps doctors evaluate blood flow to the heart muscle during physical activity, revealing potential problems like coronary artery disease or valve issues.
How do I prepare for the test? A nuclear RN staff member will call you 2-3 days prior to your test to review these instructions.
- NO FOOD OR DRINK: Nothing to eat or drink after 9am. You may have a light meal before that but must remain fasting until test time.
- NO CAFFEINE FOR 12 HOURS PRIOR TO TEST TIME: This includes sodas, coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. Many prescriptions, and over-the-counter headache remedies, such as BC powder, Excedrin, Fiorinal, Wigraine, and Anacin, contain caffeine and should be avoided. Also, be mindful that many “decaffeinated” teas, sodas, and coffee do contain a small amount of caffeine. The only true caffeine-free sodas are Sierra Mist Free, Sprite, 7up, and ginger ale.
- WHAT TO WEAR: Please wear loose-fitting, short-sleeved shirt/top, comfortable walking shoes with laces, and shorts or pants, no dresses. Please do not wear jewelry. Ladies- a wireless bra may be more comfortable, as electrodes will be placed on your bare chest.
- MEDICATIONS: We prefer that you take your regular medicines except for the following:
- Beta Blockers are a type of heart medication used to treat high blood pressure, fast heart rates, and other heart conditions. Examples include; Toprol, Metoprolol, Coreg, Inderal, Lopressor, Tenormin, Atenolol, Propranolol, Labetalol, Sotalol, Betapace, Corgard, Timolol, Carvedilol, Acebutolol, and Bystolic. We ask that you stop these medications 48 hours prior to your test time because they can prevent your heart from reaching the target heart rate while on the treadmill. Failure to do so may result in rescheduling your test.
What happens on the day of my Exercise Stress Echo?
Please report to the 3rd floor reception area at Wilmington Health, 1202 Medical Center Dr. Once you have been checked in, you will be taken to the stress room, where a nuclear med staff member will explain the procedure and have you sign a consent form. You will lay on a stretcher, where an echocardiogram will be performed prior to your exercise. A heart monitor and blood pressure cuff will then be attached to you, so you can be monitored during exercise. You will then walk on the treadmill following a protocol, where it gradually increases in speed and incline every 3 minutes until your target heart rate is achieved. Times on the treadmill vary from patient to patient based on exercise tolerance. Once completed, you will then QUICKLY return to the stretcher where another echo will be performed while your heart rate is still elevated. You will continue to be monitored until the echo is completed. A cardiologist will then review and evaluate the ultrasound images and the electrical cardiac tracings to look for significant changes or findings. The health care provider that ordered your test will be notified by the cardiologist of the results within 5-7 business days and advised of any follow-up care that may be required.