- WARCEF: Warfarin, aspirin similar for prevention of stroke, death in HF
- SPS3: Combining clopidogrel with aspirin fails to prevent recurrent strokes
- Men experiencing a stroke call for emergency help quicker than women
- Risk for intracranial hemorrhage low with rivaroxaban
- Anemia triples risk for death after stroke
Stress Echo
The treadmill test is an electrocardiogram (ECG) that is done while you are walking on a moving belt. Abnormalities in your heart rate and/or rhythm can be detected. Echocardiogram (echo) is a noninvasive test that uses ultrasound (sound waves) to take pictures of the heart before and after exercise on the treadmill. This test is designed to determine if there is any problem with the blood flow through the coronary arteries that supply the heart with blood.
PROCEDURE
You will be asked to walk on a treadmill, a moving belt, which gradually increases in speed and/or grade (incline). Your blood pressure, heart rate, and rhythm will be monitored while you are on the treadmill. When you reach your target heart rate and exercise level, the treadmill will be turned off, and you will be asked to immediately lie down on a table, turned to your left side. The echocardiogram is performed before and immediately after exercise by placing an instrument called a transducer over the left side of your chest using a translucent gel. The gel may be slightly cool and you may feel light pressure from the transducer. You may be asked to hold your breath at times so that clearer views of the heart can be obtained.
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
- You may eat a light breakfast (cereal, toast, juice) the morning of the exam. Light lunch for tests after 2:00 pm. LIMITED CAFFEINE.
- If you are diabetic, you may eat a light breakfast and/or lunch.
- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, such as tennis shoes. DO NOT WEAR OPEN-TOED OR OPEN-HEELED SHOES. NO DRESSES.
- Do not wear necklaces or clothing with metal on it (metal buttons, sequins, brooches, etc.).
- If you have asthma presently or previously, bring your inhaler(s) with you.
- Bring a list of your medications with you.
- Take your usual morning medications on the day of your test unless directed by your physician.
- If you have been instructed to decrease your medication, be aware you may experience a transient increase in your blood pressure and/or palpitations.
LENGTH OF TEST
The test will take approximately 1 hours.
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