Stress Echocardiograms

A stress echocardiogram, or stress echo, is a specialized test that shows how your heart performs under physical exertion. This test helps detect hidden heart problems that may not appear when you’re at rest. At Vivify Medical in the Financial District of Lower Manhattan, New York, board-certified cardiologist Amnon Beniaminovitz, MD, uses advanced stress echocardiogram technology to evaluate heart function, diagnose coronary artery disease, and guide treatment plans. Dr. Beniaminovitz’s expertise ensures accurate, safe, and comfortable testing to help you maintain optimal heart health. Call or book your appointment online today to learn more

What is a stress echocardiogram?

A stress echocardiogram is a noninvasive diagnostic test that combines traditional echocardiography with exercise or medication-induced stress. It allows your cardiologist to evaluate how your heart muscle and valves respond to increased activity.

During the test, ultrasound images of your heart are taken before and after your heart rate is elevated. This helps identify areas of the heart that may not receive enough blood flow during exertion — a key indicator of coronary artery disease or other cardiovascular conditions.

By comparing the images taken at rest and after stress, Dr. Beniaminovitz can assess how efficiently your heart pumps blood and whether any areas are weakened or damaged due to restricted circulation.

Why would I need a stress echocardiogram?

Dr. Beniaminovitz may recommend a stress echocardiogram if you experience symptoms that suggest your heart isn’t getting enough oxygen during activity, such as:

• Chest pain or discomfort (angina)
• Shortness of breath with exertion
• Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
• Dizziness or fatigue during exercise

A stress echo can also help evaluate the effectiveness of heart medications, determine your exercise tolerance, and monitor recovery after a cardiac procedure. It’s a valuable tool for both diagnosis and long-term management of heart disease.

What happens during a stress echocardiogram?

At Vivify Medical, your test is performed in a controlled environment by experienced cardiac professionals. You’ll first have a resting echocardiogram, where ultrasound images of your heart are taken while you lie comfortably on an exam table.

Next, you’ll either walk on a treadmill or receive medication that safely increases your heart rate, simulating exercise. Once your target heart rate is reached, a second set of ultrasound images is captured. These pictures reveal how your heart performs under stress and whether blood flow is adequate.

After the test, you can resume normal activities immediately unless otherwise advised. Dr. Beniaminovitz reviews the results with you, explaining any findings and next steps.

Call Vivify Medical today or schedule your stress echocardiogram online to detect early signs of heart disease and take proactive steps toward cardiovascular wellness.