Exercise stress echocardiogram (ESE)

An exercise stress echocardiogram (ESE), or stress echo, is a test that looks at how well your heart works when you’re exercising. It uses a scanner to make images of your heart before and after you’ve walked on a treadmill.

Your doctor may order this test if:

  • they suspect you have blockages or narrowing of the coronary arteries (vessels that supply blood to the heart)
  • to assess how well your heart valves and heart muscle are working.

Before your appointment

You may have to stop some medications before the test. You will be told about this when you get the information about your appointment. Call the clinic a few days before the test if you have questions.

Wear clothes and shoes that are comfortable for walking on a treadmill. It’s best not to eat for one to two hours beforehand.

What happens?

The test will be done at a hospital or in a clinic.

You’ll be asked to remove clothing from above the waist, and you’ll be given a gown.

Sticky pads (electrodes) will be placed on your chest, so your heart rate and rhythm can be monitored. Your blood pressure will be checked.

You’ll be asked to lie on your left side while the scan is done. The clinician will put gel on your chest and move the ultrasound wand over the area to get images of your heart.

You will then walk on a treadmill for up to 15 minutes. The treadmill speed and slope will slowly increase. You’ll be monitored to make sure you’re safe.

The test may be stopped if you have any symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, painful joints or if you feel unwell.

When you’ve finished walking on the treadmill, the clinician will do another scan of your heart. When it’s finished, the gel will be wiped off your chest and the electrodes removed.

The test usually takes up to an hour. You’ll then be able to return to your normal daily activities.

After the test

You won’t get the results on the day. The information will be reviewed and sent to the doctor who ordered the test.

Key things to remember

Infographic explaining exercise stress echocardiogram (ESE) preparation, with icons showing the appointment takes about 1 hour, wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, avoid eating for 1–2 hours before the test, and that you may need to stop some me