stress echocardiography
Echocardiographic imaging performed during or immediately after cardiac stress to detect inducible ischemia.
Full Definition
Stress echocardiography combines echocardiographic imaging with cardiac stress testing to evaluate for coronary artery disease and myocardial viability. The test involves acquiring images at rest and at peak stress (exercise or pharmacological), comparing wall motion and thickening to detect stress-induced abnormalities. Common stress agents include dobutamine, dipyridamole, or exercise. The presence of new or worsening wall motion abnormalities during stress suggests underlying coronary stenosis. This non-invasive test provides both functional and anatomical information about cardiac performance.
Usage
Usage note: Often abbreviated as 'stress echo' in clinical notes.
In Context
- "Stress echocardiography revealed inducible wall motion abnormalities in the inferior wall." — Test report
- "The sensitivity of stress echocardiography for detecting coronary disease approaches 85% in experienced hands." — Medical literature