How Long Does a Treadmill Stress Echocardiogram Take?
The entire treadmill stress echocardiogram process typically takes around 45 to 60 minutes, but the actual exercise portion might only last for 10 to 15 minutes. The overall duration can vary depending on your individual fitness level and how quickly you reach your target heart rate.
Before the exercise phase, a technician will attach electrodes to your chest to monitor your heart rhythm and take baseline blood pressure measurements. Echocardiogram images will also be captured at rest. During the exercise portion, you'll walk or run on a treadmill with a gradual increase in intensity. The goal is to reach your target heart rate based on your age and fitness level. Throughout the exercise, the technician will continue monitoring your heart rhythm and blood pressure. Echocardiogram images will be captured again during peak exercise. Finally, after exercise, you'll walk or jog at a slow pace to cool down, and additional blood pressure readings and echocardiogram images will be taken during recovery.
