This exam compares resting and exercise ultrasound images of your heart (circulation) with simultaneous EKG recordings (electrical). This comparison can show if you have coronary artery disease. Average exam time is one hour. This exam will be essentially the same for the treadmill or the supine (lying on your back) bicycle.
For the tests:
You will be asked to disrobe from the waist up and given a gown to wear. The technologist will then hook up an EKG monitor to you for the entire exam, and two resting EKGs will be obtained immediately.
You will then have an ultrasound of your heart (echocardiogram) to assess the heart muscle, heart valves and heart function.
You will then be asked to exercise on a treadmill or supine bicycle for an average time of 6 to 10 minutes.
When your peak exercise is reached, you will stop exercising and again have an ultrasound of your heart.
Comparisons are then made of both sets of heart images and the EKG to complete the exam.
Please wear or bring tennis shoes or comfortable walking shoes. If you have specific exercise desires (treadmill vs. supine bike), please let our scheduler know, and you will be accommodated. We suggest that you bring or wear comfortable clothes to exercise in. Dresses or culottes are not appropriate attire. Exercise testing results are best done when you have not eaten one hour before the exam. Medicines can be taken as usual.
