A stress echocardiogram combines heart ultrasound with exercise to assess how your heart performs under physical stress. It is used to detect coronary artery disease and evaluate heart function during exertion.
An advanced echo test that images the heart before and after exercise or with medication to detect coronary disease and assess cardiac response to stress. Performed by an experienced team in a safe, controlled environment.
A stress echo is a diagnostic test used in cardiology to evaluate the heart's function under stress. During this procedure, the patient will undergo a series of steps. Initially, they will have baseline images of their heart taken using ultrasound while at rest. Following this, the patient will be asked to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike to increase their heart rate. If the patient is unable to exercise, a medication may be administered to simulate physical stress on the heart.
As the patient's heart works harder, additional images will be captured to observe how well the heart pumps blood during stress. This test is crucial for assessing conditions such as coronary artery disease, heart valve issues, or other cardiovascular problems. By comparing the resting and stressed images, healthcare providers can identify any abnormalities in heart function or blood flow, helping to diagnose potential issues and guide further treatment plans.
A stress echocardiogram (stress echo) is a diagnostic test that combines ultrasound imaging of the heart with exercise or medication-induced stress. Images taken at rest are compared with images taken at peak stress to assess how well the heart muscle responds under load.
The full appointment takes approximately 45 minutes to one hour. This includes resting images, the exercise phase on a treadmill or stationary bike, and recovery imaging.
Yes. A stress echo is a well-established, safe test performed under continuous monitoring by experienced cardiac staff. Your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG are monitored throughout. The test is stopped immediately if any concerns arise.
Avoid caffeine and heavy meals for 4 hours before the test. You may be asked to stop certain heart medications (such as beta-blockers) 48 hours beforehand — this will be confirmed when you book. Wear comfortable clothing and trainers suitable for treadmill exercise.
No NHS referral is required. You can book directly with us for a private stress echocardiogram with specialist interpretation and a detailed report.
Reviewed by Dr Matthew Balerdi, Consultant Imaging Cardiologist (FRCP) — Last reviewed: April 2026
No NHS referral required. Get rapid access to a private stress echocardiogram with specialist reporting and detailed results.