What's the Difference Between a Stress Test and an Echocardiogram?

Stress test, echocardiogram—you may have heard these terms before from a doctor, especially if you have a heart condition or are planning for an upcoming surgery. 

Both are non-invasive heart tests that provide important information about your cardiovascular health, but they’re used for different reasons and measure different things.

At The Cardiovascular Center of Florida, we help patients understand their testing options and get the right test for their needs. 

Here’s a closer look at stress tests vs. echocardiograms, including how they work, what they show, and when a doctor might recommend each one.

What Does a Stress Test Show? 

A stress test reveals how well your heart performs while working, usually during physical exercise. By seeing how your heart pumps blood, your doctor can see if there’s reduced blood flow to the muscle. 

This can help find potential heart problems that may not be as obvious as when your heart is at rest. 

Doctors use stress tests to help diagnose a range of conditions or problems, including:

• Coronary artery disease (CAD)
• Irregular heart rhythms (known as arrhythmias)
• Congenital heart disease
• Congestive heart failure
• Heart valve disease
• Exercise-induced symptoms like chest pain or shortness of breath

What to Expect During a Stress Test

During a standard treadmill stress test, you’ll walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bike while your doctor monitors your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. 

Don’t worry if you’re unable to exercise. Your doctor can administer medication to stimulate the effects of physical activity on your heart.

To prepare, you may be asked to refrain from eating and avoid caffeine, tobacco products, and certain medications.

When It's Used

Stress tests are used for many reasons. A doctor may recommend a stress test when you:

• Have symptoms of heart disease (like chest discomfort or fatigue)
• Have medical conditions that raise your risk for heart disease, such as diabetes
• Need to check how well your heart recovers after a procedure or treatment
• Are starting a new exercise plan following a cardiac event
• Need to evaluate your heart risk before a non-cardiac surgery

If you're searching for a stress test near you, The Cardiovascular Center of Florida provides advanced options and personalized support every step of the way.

What Does an Echocardiogram Show?

An echocardiogram (or “echo”) uses ultrasound waves to create detailed images of your heart’s structure, including the valves and chambers. It’s safe, painless, and completely non-invasive.

Essentially, an echocardiogram looks at the anatomy of your heart to make sure it’s functioning as it should. The ultrasound images show whether there are any structural problems with how it pumps blood.

Echocardiograms help your doctor examine:

• Heart chamber size and wall thickness
• Valve function
• Blood flow through the heart
• Signs of heart failure, cardiomyopathy, or valve disease

What to Expect During an Echocardiogram

During a standard echocardiogram, a technician applies gel to your chest and uses a handheld device called a transducer to capture live images.

There are other types of echocardiograms, including:

• Exercise stress echocardiogram: This test is performed before and after exercise to evaluate heart performance under stress.
• Transesophageal echocardiogram: Your doctor inserts a probe down your esophagus for a closer look at the heart

You can usually resume normal activities right after the test. If you're looking for an echocardiogram near you, The Cardiovascular Center of Florida offers appointments across nine locations.

When It's Used

Depending on your symptoms and medical history, a doctor may suggest an echo to:

• Investigate unexplained shortness of breath or fatigue
• Monitor existing heart conditions
• Evaluate damage after a heart attack
• Look for congenital heart defects or valve issues
  

Stress Test vs. Echocardiogram: Key Differences

Both stress tests and echocardiograms are valuable tools for evaluating heart health, but they ultimately serve different purposes and provide different information about your heart.

A stress test evaluates how your heart responds to physical activity. It measures electrical activity, heart rate, and blood pressure as you exercise to diagnose heart disease, uncover irregular heart rhythms, and assess heart-related symptoms.

On the other hand, an echocardiogram focuses on the heart’s structure and function at rest. It provides images of your heart’s chambers, valves, and overall motion. This makes it especially useful for detecting valve problems among other conditions, including heart failure and congenital defects.

In some cases, your doctor may recommend a stress echocardiogram, which combines both approaches, capturing ultrasound images of your heart before and after stress. This approach provides a more comprehensive view of how well your heart works under pressure.

If you’re unsure which test is right for you, a consultation with a heart specialists can help determine whether you need a stress test, echocardiogram, or both.

Get Expert Heart Testing: Book Your Stress Test or Echocardiogram Today

Stop searching for a cardiovascular clinic near you and make an appointment at The Cardiovascular Center of Florida. 

We promise comprehensive, patient-first care from a team that provides personalized guidance, helping you understand which tests you need and why. 

No matter what test you need, we’re here for you, from scheduling your appointment to explaining test results. 

Request your cardiovascular testing appointment today with one of our expert providers.