Important Information Regarding Practice Updates
Access Cardiology
Access DrsAccess Vascular
Contact UsBook Online

Stress Echocardiogram

What is an Stress Echocardiogram?

A stress echocardiogram (sometimes called a cardiac stress test or stress echo) is a specialised heart ultrasound that assesses how well your heart and blood vessels function when your heart is working harder, usually during exercise. It combines ultrasound imaging with controlled physical activity to observe how your heart responds to increased workload.

At Access Cardiology, we provide stress echocardiogram Perth services for eligible patients, offering bulk billed stress echocardiogram testing with a valid referral and Medicare eligibility. Testing is performed using a treadmill at all locations, with an exercise bike also available at our Stirling clinic.

Request an Appointment

Who Is This Test For?

Your doctor may refer you for a stress echocardiogram to investigate symptoms or concerns that occur during physical activity, or to assess how well blood is flowing to the heart muscle under stress.

Common reasons for referral include:

Chest pain or discomfort during exertion Shortness of breath with physical activity

Light-headedness or dizziness

Monitoring heart rhythm changes during exercise

Assessing blood flow to the heart muscle under stress

What to Expect

A stress echocardiogram is carefully monitored and performed by experienced cardiac professionals.

Before

Your doctor will advise you if you need to stop taking medications prior to the test.

We will kindly ask you to fast from food and avoid caffeine for three hours prior to the test.

We will ask you to avoid smoking or drinking alcohol for 3 hours prior to the test.

A standard echocardiogram is performed first to obtain baseline images

To bulk bill both tests, the standard echocardiogram and stress echocardiogram must be performed on separate days

Wear comfortable clothing and supportive footwear suitable for exercise

Should you have concerns about your ability to walk or run on a treadmill, please advise our staff so we can seek advice on an alternative for you.

During

You will be required to undress to the waist. We will provide you with a gown to wear during the test.

Small ECG electrodes are placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm

Your blood pressure, pulse rate, and ECG are continuously monitored

The speed, incline, or resistance is gradually increased

You will walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike until an optimum heart rate is reached

A trained sonographer will place a special probe on various parts of the chest wall to view the heart from different directions.

A detailed assessment of the heart valves, heart muscle and blood flow are then performed.

After

You will be asked to remain in our practice for 10 minutes while you rehydrate and your heart rate returns to normal.

The results and images will be reported on by our specialist cardiologists.

If you are not currently under the care of a cardiologist, we will write to your referring doctor to advise of the results.

If further follow-up is required, we will arrange an appointment with one of our cardiologists

Our specialists will work with you and your GP to guide next steps and ongoing care

Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about Stress Echocardiogram. If you have additional questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The appointment usually takes around 60 minutes, including preparation and recovery time.

Yes. The test is closely monitored by trained cardiac professionals, with your heart rhythm and blood pressure continuously observed.

Yes. We offer bulk billed stress echocardiogram testing for patients with a valid referral and Medicare eligibility.

Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking or cycling.

If follow-up is required, our team will arrange an appointment and guide you through next steps.

Locations offering this service

Stress Echocardiogram testing is available at the following locations. Treadmills are available at all Access Cardiology locations, with an exercise bike also available at our Stirling clinic.

Stirling (Sessional)

  • 12/732 Karrinyup Road, Balcatta 6021
    Located inside MedOne Medical Centre (at Roselea Shopping Centre)

Albany – Access Cardiology

Cottesloe – Soleil Health

Joondalup – Sanori House

Mandurah – Greenfields

Midland (Sessional)

  • 34 Railway Parade, Midland
    Located inside PainWest

Murdoch – Wexford Medical Centre

Nedlands – Hollywood Consulting centre

Rockingham (Sessional)

  • Level 1, 18 Civic Blvd, Rockingham
    Located upstairs in the Rockingham Medical & Dental Centre
See all locations

News & Updates