Upstate Cardiovascular Associates

Cardiology Exercise (Stress) Echo Test

Listed below is information about how to prepare for your test and what do expect during the test.

Things To Know

Test Location: Clinton Woods - Brighton
Geneseo Office
Dansville Office
What To Bring: - You should have no food or drink 4-hours prior to your test.


- Wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes, preferably sneakers.
- Please arrive 10 minutes early to register.
- Certain medications need to be held.
Questions: If you are scheduled for a stress echo in our office and are unable to keep this appointment or have any questions regarding your appointment, please contact our office at 585-442-5320. Instructions are also available through our instruction line at 784-8173.

Do you take Beta-Blockers, Calcium Channel Blockers, or medication for diabetes?

Beta-Blockers:

Do not take Beta Blockers the night before or the day of the test such as:

Tenormin (Atenolol)
Lopressor, Toprol XL (Metoprolol)
Corgard (Nadolol)
Inderal (Propanolol)
Betapace (Sotalol)

Beta-Blocking Agents:

Betapace/sotalol
Blocadren/timolol
Brevibloc/esmolol
Cartrol Filmtab/carteolol
Corgard/Nadolol
Inderal/propanolol
Inderal LA/propranolol
Kerlone/betaxolol
Levatol/penbutolol
Lopressor/metoprolol
Sectral/acebutalol
Tenormin/atenolol
Toprol XL/metoprolol
Zebeta/bisoprolol

β-Blocking Agents with Diuretics:

Ineride LA/propanolol
Ineride/propanolol
Lopressor HCT/metoprolol
Tenoretic/atenolol
Timolide/timolol
Zinc/bisoprolol 

Calcium Channel Blockers:

Certain Calcium channel blockers should be held the night before or day of the test such as:

Diltiazem (Cardizem,Cardizem CD, Cartia, Dilacor, Tiazac)
Verapamil (Verlan, Calan, Calan SR, Covera, Covera HS, Isoptin SR)
Ziac

Medication for Diabetes:

Do not take oral diabetes medications or fast acting insulin the day of the test.

Oral Medications: Glucophage (Metformin), Glucotrol (Glipizide), Glimepiride (Amaryl), Glyburide (Micronase), Avandia, Avandamet, Actos.

If you are taking long-acting insulin such as NPH, Lantus, 70/30, take one-half the usual dose.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why can’t I eat 4 hours before test?

There are a few reasons.

  • Some patients may experience nausea after strenuous exercise. To avoid this, we ask all patients to refrain from eating.
  • More blood is directed to the stomach and away from extremities after eating.
  • Although rare, some patients might be sent for additional testing immediately following this test, which requires an empty stomach.

Can I still take my medication?

Yes, you may take your medications with small sips of water, except for Beta blockers, certain calcium channel blockers. Patients with diabetes should not take oral diabetes medications or insulin the day of the test.

Oral Medications: Glucophage (Metformin), Glucotrol (Glipizide), Glimepiride (Amaryl), Glyburide (Micronase), Avandia, Avandamet, Actos.

 If you are taking long-acting insulin such as NPH, Lantus, 70/30, take one-half the usual dose.

 When will I get the results?

Your test results will be mailed to your referring doctor within 24 hours. Your doctor will be notified sooner if your condition requires prompt attention.

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