Exercise Stress Testing

Print a fact sheet about what you should expect and how to prepare for an exercise stress test.

Exercise stress testing, also called stress echocardiogram, allows physicians to see how well the heart pumps blood through the body, especially when it is forced to work harder.

Sound waves are bounced off the heart which shows the structure and movement of the organ before and after exercise. By comparing the images, physicians are able to detect any changes in the way the heart works.  This helps them determine if the heart is getting enough blood and if it is functioning properly.

During the procedure, a small device called a transducer is placed on the patient’s chest immediately before and after the exercise. The transducer captures the sound waves created by the heart and records the images. Typically during exercise, EKG also is used to record the heartbeat and the patient’s blood pressure is monitored.

Norton Heart Care is a leading provider of heart care for people throughout Louisville and Southern Indiana.  Focused on outcomes and quality, our highly skilled cardiologists and surgeons work side by side with experienced nurses to care for both adults and children.  Heart disease comes in many forms, and Norton Heart Care offers a wide range of innovative treatment techniques in multiple locations - providing advanced, high-quality care close to home.  For more information about Norton Heart Care, call (502) 629-1234.