It is a functional rather than an anatomical imaging test (i.e. it does not visualise the coronary vessels) and highlights the haemodynamic significance of coronary artery stenoses (causing ischaemia). Dynamic Echocardiography (stress echo) belongs to the newest techniques of cardiac ultrasound and is an extremely useful method for the early and reliable detection of coronary artery disease. It also determines the prognosis of patients and is an invaluable tool in making important diagnostic decisions. It is also used to screen for viable myocardium and to evaluate valvular and myocardial diseases.

The aim of Stress Echo is to detect myocardial ischemia early in the progression of coronary artery disease under conditions of pharmacological stress.

It is heart echo not at rest but under conditions of fatigue and stress. It is performed either by exercise on a bicycle or an exercise treadmill or, more often, by administration of pharmaceutical agents through a venous catheter.

All bradycardia medications should be discontinued at least 12 hours before the test, unless the aim is to assess the effectiveness of the antiischemic regimen. Patients usually abstain from food for 4 hours before the test. During the stress testing procedure, the physician takes real-time images and assesses the myocardial response to stress. The test takes about 40 minutes in total and after the test is completed, the patient can resume normal daily activities without any restrictions. The test should be performed in an accredited echocardiography laboratory, equipped with appropriate equipment and drugs, and in the presence of an accredited physician and staff.