Exercise Stress Echocardiography (ESE) Cardiology What is Exercise Stress Echocardiography? Exercise stress echocardiography (ESE) is an exercise stress test that allows the cardiologist to study the response of the heart to stress. Ultrasound images are then obtained to study the heart function before and after the exercise. What is the purpose of this test? The test is used to determine if there is adequate blood supply to meet increasing oxygen demands of the heart muscles after exercise stress test. Preparation before the test 1. Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before the test 2. Wear comfortable sports attire and shoes that are suitable for exercise
3. Medications that slow down the heart rate (e.g. atenolol) should be omitted 1 to 2 days prior to the test (Please check with your doctor) 4. Male patients are required to shave their chest hair 5. Please reschedule your test if you are unwell e.g. flu, fever and running nose
How is the test done? During the test, ECG electrodes will be placed on your chest and a blood pressure cuff on your arm for monitoring throughout the test. A resting heart ultrasound scan will be performed before exercising on the treadmill. The speed and gradient of the treadmill will increase every three minutes. Adequacy of exercise is determined by the patient reaching a certain target heart rate calculated based on age, as well as adequate level of workload. Most healthy individuals can exercise for nine to 12 minutes.
Comparison of the rest and stress images are done to detect any abnormal contraction of the heart. You will be monitored for five to ten minutes after the exercise, after which the test will end. The treadmill report will be reviewed later by a cardiologist and the final report will be ready by your next clinic appointment. Is the test safe? The test is generally safe. There is a small risk of complication from the exercise test (1:10 000).
You should inform the doctor or medical technologist to stop the treadmill in the event of any discomfort e.g. chest pain/tightness, breathlessness, headache or giddiness or general unwell. Upon termination of the exercise test, you are required to lie down on the bed as quickly as possible to allow the medical technologist to obtain ultrasound images at peak exercise. Yishun Health is a network of medical institutions and health facilities of the National Healthcare Group. Admiralty Medical Centre • (65) 6807 8000 • www.admiraltymedicalcentre.com.sg Khoo Teck Puat Hospital • (65) 6555 8000 • www.ktph.com.sg Yishun Community Hospital • (65) 6807 8800 • www.yishuncommunityhospital.com.sg The information is correct at the time of printing and subject to revision without further notice.
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