Stress Echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure combining:
The test is usually performed on patients suspected of having or already have had coronary artery disease – insufficient blood supply to the heart muscle.
As atropine may be given to increase the heart rate response during the test, patients with prostate problems or glaucoma (a condition with high pressure in the eyeball) should avoid atropine. Please inform the nurse or doctor if you have these conditions before the test.
As the test involves echocardiographic imaging using ultrasound waves, there is no risk of radiation exposure.
If you are not keen for this procedure, you will need to discuss with your doctor in your next clinic visit. Other form of stress tests may involve a radionuclide myocardial perfusion scan or a magnetic resonance stress imaging.
If you are feeling unwell because of fever, running nose or acute illness, you should not proceed with the procedure. Please call the NHCS Call Centre at +65 6704 2000 to reschedule the test.
This form of test does not require you to perform the walking exercise on the treadmill machine. Instead, you will be given a medication called dobutamine through an infusion into the vein. The infusion rate will be increased gradually until:
You will be monitored for some time after the procedure if you do not feel well. If the symptoms persist, you may be admitted for observation. If the test turns out to be very abnormal, you may also be admitted for further management after discussion with your doctor.
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