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What is a stress echocardiogram?
A stress echocardiogram (also known as a stress echo) is an ultrasound test that evaluates how your heart functions when it is made to work harder. It directly compares ultrasound images taken while you are resting against images taken immediately after you exercise on a treadmill.
When your body works harder, your heart muscle demands more oxygen-rich blood. If a coronary artery is narrowed, that section of heart muscle may temporarily struggle to pump as strongly as expected. By comparing the 'before' and 'after' ultrasound views, a cardiologist can detect any subtle changes.
What the test helps your doctor check
Your doctor may typically request a stress echo to investigate suspected coronary artery disease or to follow up on an inconclusive resting test. In select situations, it is also used to evaluate heart valve changes or pressure shifts that only happen during physical exertion.
If the scan indicates reduced blood flow during exercise or any other symptoms, your doctor may suggest starting or adjusting medications, further imaging, or an angiogram.
If you can't exercise on a treadmill
If joint pain, arthritis, balance issues, lung conditions, or mobility concerns make walking on a treadmill difficult, please notify our clinic before your appointment. In certain circumstances, your doctor may recommend a CTCA, which requires specific scheduling.
30-45 minutes
Total appointment duration.
Treadmill exercise
Resting and post-exercise imaging.
Medicine instructions
Some heart medicines need stopping 48 hours before
What happens during the appointment
- Resting images & baseline monitoring:
You will lie on an examination bed while the sonographer records your resting heart ultrasound. Sticky ECG patches on your body will track your heart rhythm, and a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. - Treadmill exercise:
You will step onto the treadmill, which starts slowly and flat, gradually increasing in speed and incline every few minutes. Our team will constantly monitor your ECG, blood pressure, and heart rate, checking in on how you feel. - Your safety comes first:
The goal is simply to elevate your heart rate within safe limits. You can ask to stop at any point. Our clinicians will also pause the test if they notice significant ECG changes, high blood pressure, or if you feel unwell. - Post-exercise images:
As soon as the treadmill stops, you will quickly step back onto the bed so the sonographer can capture a second set of ultrasound images while your heart rate is still elevated. - Recovery:
We continue monitoring your ECG and blood pressure while you rest and catch your breath until your readings return to baseline.
Important: Please notify the clinical team immediately if you feel chest tightness, lightheadedness, nausea, or unusual breathlessness at any point during exercise.
If you've been referred to Heartscope
To have a stress echocardiogram at Heartscope, you must have a valid referral from your doctor. Please have your referral ready when confirming your booking so our reception team can verify the test details and find a clinic nearest to you.
Fees
Depending on your referral and Medicare eligibility, your scan may be fully bulk-billed or incur a small out-of-pocket gap fee. For the latest fees, see the page for your clinic under Our Locations.
Understanding your results
Your cardiologist will compile the measurements and images into a detailed report and forward it directly to your referring doctor. Your doctor will discuss what the results mean in the context of your overall health and symptoms. If a follow up test is needed, your doctor might request an alternative imaging method.
Preparing for the appointment
Stop these medicines 48 hours before your test
Certain heart and blood pressure medications (especially beta-blockers and specific calcium channel blockers) prevent your heart rate from rising during exercise, making the test inaccurate. Please stop the medicines below 48 hours before your test, unless your referring doctor has told you otherwise. If you are unsure, please ask your referring doctor, then let our clinic know. Check with your doctor before restarting them after the test.
Beta-blockers
- Generic names: Atenolol, Bisoprolol, Carvedilol, Ivabradine, Labetalol, Metoprolol, Nebivolol, Oxprenolol, Pindolol, Propranolol and Sotalol
- Brand names: Anselol, Atehexal, Felodipine, Noten, Tenormin, Bicor, Dilatrend, Kredex, Tambocor, Coralan, Presolol, Trandate, Betaloc, Lopresor, Metohexal, Metolol, Metrol, Minax, Toprol-XL, Nebilet, Corbeton, Barbloc, Visken, Deralin, Inderal, Cardol, Solavert, Sotab, Sotacor and Sotahexal
Calcium channel blockers
- Generic names: Diltiazem and Verapamil
- Brand names: Auscard, Cardizem, Coras, Diltahexal, Dilzem, Vascocardol, Anpec, Cordilox, Isoptin, Vercaps and Verhexal
On the day
- Meals: Avoid heavy meals for 2 hours before your appointment. Light sips of water are fine.
- Footwear: Wear flat, comfortable running or walking shoes suitable for a treadmill.
- Clothing: Wear a separate top and bottom (avoid dresses or one-piece garments) so our team can easily place chest electrodes and perform the ultrasound.
- Skin care: Do not apply body lotions, moisturisers, or oils to your chest.
Please note that only 1 person will be allowed into the appointment room due to space constraints. Family, children, guardians, friends and carers will only be allowed in if it's absolutely necessary. A language interpreter can come in with you.
What to bring
- Your GP or specialist referral letter and Medicare card.
- A list of all your medications, doses, and timing.
- Comfortable running or walking shoes.
- Your prescribed asthma reliever inhaler (e.g., Ventolin), if you use one.
- Any previous stress test, ECG, or cardiology reports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Heartscope perform stress echocardiograms?
Yes. Heartscope provides exercise stress echocardiograms across our multiple clinic locations with a valid doctor referral.
Does “stress” mean emotional stress?
No. In medical terms, "stress" refers purely to physical exercise that makes your heart pump faster and harder.
Should I stop my blood pressure tablets?
Only if they are one of the beta-blockers or calcium channel blockers listed above. Most other blood pressure tablets can be taken as normal. Always confirm with your doctor or call our clinic if you have doubts.
Is it a test of how fit I am?
No. This is a medical diagnostic test, not a pass-or-fail fitness trial. The goal is simply to observe your heart working under reasonable, monitored effort.
Does the scan use radiation?
No. An echocardiogram uses sound waves, not radiation. The ECG patches simply read your heart's existing electrical rhythms.
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Cardiology clinics across Melbourne.
Stress Echocardiogram
Ashburton
ashburton
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Boronia
boronia
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 7 Day ECG Holter Monitor | $250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Coolaroo
coolaroo
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Cranbourne
cranbourne
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Dandenong
dandenong
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Keysborough
keysborough
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Lalor
lalor
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
M-City Clayton
clayton
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Melbourne
melbourne
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 7 Day ECG Holter Monitor | $250, plus a $50 refundable deposit $79.50 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Moonee Ponds
moonee-ponds
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Mooroolbark
mooroolbark
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Pakenham
pakenham
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Pacemaker Clinic | Bulk billed* |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
St Albans
st-albans
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Sunnybank
sunnybank
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $100, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 |
| HeartBug | Privately billed |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Werribee
werribee
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
Wheelers Hill
wheelers-hill
Services at this clinic
| Service | Cost |
|---|---|
| Cardiologist Consultation | Privately billed |
| Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| Stress Echocardiogram | Bulk billed* |
| 24 Hour ECG Holter Monitor | Bulk billed*, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| 24 Hour BP Monitor | $120, plus a $50 refundable deposit |
| ECG | $40 $8.20 out of pocket with Medicare |
| HeartBug | $150 |
| Sleep and respiratory services | Provided by Sleepscope |
*Bulk billing applies if you meet the Medicare (MBS) criteria and have a valid referral. Pensioners and Health Care Card holders may also be entitled to discounted rates. Please confirm costs when you book.
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