An echocardiogram is a test that uses ultrasound to evaluate your heart muscle, heart valves, and risk for heart disease.
Your doctor may perform an echocardiogram to:
- Assess the overall function of your heart
- Determine the presence of many types of heart disease
- Follow the progress of heart valve disease over time
- Evaluate the effectiveness of medical or surgical treatments
Stress Echocardiogram
This is an echocardiogram that is performed while the person exercises on a treadmill. This test can be used to visualize the motion of the heart’s walls and pumping action when the heart is stressed. It may reveal a lack of blood flow that isn’t always apparent on other heart tests. The echocardiogram is performed just prior and just after the exercise.