Stress Echo Testing in West Bridgewater, MA
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Contact UsWhat Is a Stress Echo Test?
Also called an echo stress test, stress echo testing is part echocardiogram and part stress test. At Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology, board-certified internist and cardiologist Dr. John K. Terzian and his team conduct echo stress tests to observe the heart in action. Dr. Terzian may order this testing if symptoms, like chest pain, lightheadedness, arrhythmia, or shortness of breath, seem to get worse with activity. This type of testing may also be conducted on athletes, people who are scheduled for surgery, or people who have been exposed to extreme conditions. Schedule an appointment with our cardiac testing team at our West Bridgewater, MA practice to learn more about your heart health.
How Does Stress Echo Testing Work?
Our practitioner will give a special set of instructions to follow before and after your echo stress test. Since caffeine and tobacco may interfere with test results, we recommend avoiding these products before the hour-long test. Stress echo testing combines an echocardiogram and stress test. Electrodes are connected to an electrocardiogram machine to track heart rate. A blood pressure cuff is also attached to record this diagnostic vital sign throughout the test.
While at rest, Dr. Terzian will perform an electrocardiogram and echocardiogram, which requires you to lie on your left side while an ultrasound wand or transducer is moved over your chest to collect images. To measure your body during activity, we’ll have you exercise on a treadmill, increasing your level of exercise every few minutes. Once you reach your target heart rate, Dr. Terzian will ask if you feel anything unusual, such as chest pain, pressure in your chest, jaw, or arm, lightheadedness, dizziness, or shortness of breath. He will then have you return to the exam table to conduct the ultrasound test again and measure your vital signs.
Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology Reviews
It took a while to get in to see my doctor. But once taken back, all was quick and smooth. The place was clean. People were pleasant & efficient. I had a very good experience there. I am well pleased, all in all.
Facility staff are friendly and helpful. Dr. John is thorough and spends the time necessary to determine any issues and leaves you feeling comfortable and at ease when leaving.
I am extremely happy with the treatment provided by Dr. Terzian and office staff. They are very professional and pleasant with patients.
wanted to say this is the best and most efficiently run practice I have seen in a very long time. Everyone is friendly, professional and knowledgeable. the nurse practitioner I saw, Nicole, was amazing. she went above and beyond to make sure I was taken care of and satisfied. the office staff stayed on the phone booking and urgent dermatologist appointment for me the next day. They are an amazing practice.
Danielle at the desk is always the kindest and most friendly person to talk to! She’s also super helpful with arranging your follow ups in an organized manner.
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Your Heart in Action
Stress echo testing involves an echocardiogram performed at rest and during exercise. Dr. Terzian studies the changes the heart goes through at rest and while active to identify any weakening of the heart muscle, which may show coronary artery disease. Schedule an appointment at Bridgewater Primary Care & Cardiology in West Bridgewater, MA to have our cardiac care team observe your heart in action.
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About UsStress Echo Testing FAQs
Can I resume normal activities after the stress echo test?
In most cases, you can resume your normal activities shortly after completing the test. However, it's advisable to take it easy for the rest of the day, especially if you feel fatigued or lightheaded. Follow any specific post-test instructions provided by your healthcare provider.
How soon will I get the results from a stress echo test?
Preliminary results may be available immediately after the test, but a full analysis can take a few days. Your doctor will review the images and data collected during the test and discuss the results with you at a follow-up appointment. In some cases, additional testing may be required.
Why might my doctor order a stress echo test instead of a regular stress test?
A stress echo test provides more detailed images of the heart's function and structure than a regular stress test, which primarily monitors heart rate and rhythm. This additional information can help identify specific issues with the heart's chambers and valves that might not be detected through a standard stress test.
Why might a stress echo test be recommended for someone with unexplained chest pain?
A stress echo test can help identify whether chest pain is related to heart disease or other cardiac issues. It evaluates how well the heart pumps blood during physical activity, providing detailed images that help diagnose problems that may not be evident at rest. This can be crucial for diagnosing coronary artery disease or valve issues.
How should I prepare for a stress echo test?
Before the test, preparation typically involves avoiding caffeine, tobacco, and certain medications. You might also be asked to fast for a few hours. Wearing comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise is recommended since part of the test involves physical activity on a treadmill.
Can a stress echo test detect issues that other tests might miss?
Yes, a stress echo test can reveal heart problems that may not be detected by resting echocardiograms or standard stress tests. It provides dynamic images showing how the heart functions under stress, helping to diagnose issues like ischemia or structural abnormalities that are only evident during physical exertion.