Referrals & Patient Enquiries: 
Exercise Stress Echocardiogram
An Exercise Stress Echocardiogram (ESE) involves performing an ultrasound of the heart before and after exercise on a treadmill. Exercise Stress Testing measures the performance and capacity of the heart, lungs and blood vessels.
In many cases, the test is carried out to assist in:
- Making a diagnosis of coronary artery disease
- Assess the effectiveness of medications/treatments
During the Procedure
Ultrasound images of your heart are recorded before and directly after exercising. The test involves walking on a treadmill. Every 3 minutes the gradient and speed of the treadmill increases. Throughout the test your ECG and blood pressure will be monitored. The scientist and doctor will be watching your recordings closely and asking you questions as you go. If there is any abnormal change in any of these observations the test will be stopped.
It is asked that you do as much as you can. The test can be stopped at your request anti-arrhythmic treatment any stage or will be stopped when adequate information or symptoms have been achieved.
When the treadmill is stopped you will be escorted to the imaging bed. For a good test result, it is important to follow all instructions given to you when the treadmill is stopped. Ultrasound images of your heart will be acquired immediately post exercise.
