Pharmacologic Stress Echocardiography

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Pharmacologic stress echocardiography is a test that shows the action of the heart under stress. The test uses medicines to make the heart work just as it does when you exercise. The medicines will cause the heart to work harder and pump more oxygen-rich blood to the body. It is done for people who have heart-related symptoms but cannot do an exercise stress test. Actual pumping of the heart and areas of the heart that are not working well are seen on a monitor and recorded.
  
  
• A picture of your heart while you are resting is taken using an echocardiogram (ultrasound) before the medicine is given. An echocardiogram uses sound waves to take images of the heart. Images before giving the medicines are compared with those during and after to know how the heart responds to stress. The activity of the heart will also be watched on a monitor using an electrocardiogram (ECG). After all of the medicine has been given, more pictures are taken.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Having a pharmacologic stress echocardiography has certain risks. Problems can happen during or after the test. You may have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up). Your blood pressure may increase or decrease, and you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and weak. You may feel your heart throbbing or have extra heartbeats, chest pain, or a heart attack. Caregivers are there before, during, and after the test to help you. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about the test, your medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your test:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.
  
  
• IV: An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

During your test:

• You may be asked to change your clothes. A caregiver puts a thick gel on your chest which may feel cold. A transducer (wand-like device that receives and sends sound waves) is placed directly above your heart. Your caregiver may press the transducer firmly as he moves it across your chest. A picture of your heart at rest is recorded. Electrodes (sticky patches) are put on your chest. The electrodes will be attached to wires that transmit the electrical activity of your heart to the ECG monitor.
  
  
• Medicine is given slowly and constantly through the IV line. Your heart activity is watched during and after the medicine has been given. Your blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm are also checked regularly. After receiving medicine, you may be asked to hold still and hold your breath while more pictures are taken.

After your test:

• Heart monitor: This is also called an ECG or EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Pharmacologic Stress Echocardiography (Inpatient Care)