How to Prepare for Your Stress Echocardiography
It is very important to follow these instructions for the test to be performed safely and properly and to have accurate results. If you are unsure about any part of this please contact your referring doctor or your primary care physician.
No caffeine! Please avoid anything containing caffeine including soda, chocolate, energy drinks, tea and coffee (including decaffeinated) at least 24 hours prior to the test.
Please do not take any Beta Blocker medications 24 hours before the test (see a list of Beta Blockers below).
- Do bring your Beta Blocker medication with you.
- If you are not sure whether you take a medication that should be avoided please consult the list below and your doctor.
- This is a list of some beta blocker medications: Acebutolol, Atenolol, Betagan, Betapace, Betaxolol, Betimol, Betoptic, Bisoprolol, Blocadren, Brevibloc, Bystolic, Carteolol, Cardizem, Cartrol, Carvedilol, Coreg, Corgard, Esmolol, Inderal, Inderal-LA, InnoPran XL, Istalol, Kerlone, Labetalol, Labetalol, Levatol, Levobunolol, Lopressor, Metoprolol, Nadolol, Nebivolol, Normodyne, Ocupress, OptiPranolol, Penbutolol, Pindolol, Propranolol, Sectral, Sotalol, Tenormin, Timolol, Timoptic, Toprol-XL, Trandate, Verapamil, Visken, Zebeta, etc.
Stay very well hydrated. Drink lots of water, but avoid all other drinks.
You may have a light meal before the test, but do not overeat!
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing. You will be asked to walk on a treadmill.
If you are pregnant you should always notify your referring physician before any testing.