Echocardiography Stress Test: What It Is and What to Expect
Medically reviewed by Achuta Uppu, MD, Internal Medicine. Last reviewed: October 23, 2026.
What kind of doctor provides Echocardiography Stress Test?
A cardiologist is a heart doctor who can provide and read an echocardiography stress test. The test is done at a medical center or health care provider's office. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
What it is
An echocardiography stress test is also called stress echocardiography. It uses ultrasound imaging to show how well your heart muscle pumps blood while you exercise. An ultrasound is an imaging test that uses sound waves to create pictures of organs and other structures inside your body. It is most often used to find less blood flow to the heart muscle. Narrowing in the coronary arteries can cause this. Coronary artery disease happens when the blood vessels that carry blood to your heart become blocked.
Why a doctor might recommend it
Your provider may order this test if you recently had a heart attack or have heart valve problems. You may need it before surgery or an exercise program if you are at high risk for heart disease. It may be used if you have symptoms of heart disease that get worse with activity.
The results can show how well your heart is pumping and how well a heart treatment is working. They can also help diagnose coronary artery disease and show whether your heart is too large.
How to prepare
Ask your provider if you should take your normal medicines on the day of the test. Some medicines may interfere with the results. Never stop taking any medicine without first talking to your provider. Tell your provider if you took avanafil (Stendra), sildenafil citrate (Viagra), or tadalafil (Cialis) in the past 24 hours. Do not eat or drink for at least 3 hours before the test.
What happens during it
A resting echocardiogram is done first, while you lie on your left side with your left arm out. Most people walk on a treadmill or pedal an exercise bicycle. About every 3 minutes, you walk or pedal faster and on an incline, like walking fast or jogging up a hill. Most people walk or pedal for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on fitness level and age. If you cannot exercise, you get a medicine such as dobutamine through a vein to make your heart beat faster and harder, like exercise. Your blood pressure and heart rhythm are watched throughout the test. During the test, people feel chest discomfort, extra or skipped heartbeats, dizziness, headache, nausea, or shortness of breath. Be sure to tell the person doing the test if you feel any of these.
Recovery
A normal test most often means you could exercise as long as or longer than most people of your age and sex. A normal result means blood flow through the coronary arteries is probably normal. Abnormal results may be due to reduced blood flow to a part of your heart. They may also be due to scarring of the heart muscle from a past heart attack. After the test you may need changes in your heart medicines or more heart procedures.
After you leave the test, call 911 or go to the emergency room if you have chest pain or discomfort lasting two minutes or more, trouble breathing, or fainting.
Risks and side effects
The risks are very low, and your providers monitor you during the entire procedure. Rare complications include an abnormal heart rhythm, fainting, and a heart attack.
Who performs it
A health care provider gives the test at a medical center or a provider's office.
Common questions
Can I eat before an echocardiography stress test?
No, do not eat or drink for at least 3 hours before the test.
What if I cannot exercise during an echocardiography stress test?
If you cannot exercise, you get a medicine through a vein that makes your heart beat faster and harder, similar to exercise.
How long do I exercise during an echocardiography stress test?
Most people walk or pedal for 5 to 15 minutes, depending on their level of fitness and age. You stop when your heart reaches the target rate or when you are too tired to continue.
How does a direct primary care or concierge doctor fit in?
A direct primary care doctor charges a flat monthly fee instead of billing insurance, while a concierge doctor usually charges more and often works alongside insurance. A direct primary care or concierge doctor can be a first stop for an evaluation and can refer you to a specialist when needed.
Sources
Medical Disclaimer
This content is for general educational and informational purposes only and is not medical advice. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and reading it does not create a doctor-patient relationship. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about a medical condition, and never disregard or delay seeking professional advice because of something you read here. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call 911 (or your local emergency number) immediately.
