A stress echocardiogram is completed in three stages:

1. An echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart) is performed to give a baseline indication of your heart’s structure and how well it is functioning at rest
2. You will then be asked to run on a treadmill or cycle at increasing intensity – during this time you will be wired to a computer that enables the nurse to monitor how well you are doing and if the test needs to be stopped at any stage
3. Immediately after the exercise test another echocardiogram will be performed to observe any differences in heart function.
   A reduction in heart contraction after exercise can indicate inadequate blood flow in one or more of the arteries – highlighting the need for further investigation and treatment.