@jacko- I have had several Echo's in fact this was the only test that confirmed I was having a major HA after not presenting with blood work, EKG & X-Ray in the emergency room more than 2 hrs. after I was admitted. Depending on the area they are trying to see the use of an IV to help with contrast solution may be needed. I have also have had both Nuclear medicine induced Echo and a Stress Echo. My cardiologist was not very happy that my PC Dr. had ordered the Nuclear Echo mainly because the results in his opinion are near as accurate as a stress echo. I just had a Stress Echo down at the Mayo Clinis in AZ. Basically they place several electrodes on you and then take a number of pictures as in a resting state and then have you pop up onto a tredmill which was literally alongside the bed and you begin just walking and every 2-3 minutes the speed is increased as well as the ramp elevation.
They are monitoring you all along on screens as well as talking to you. There is a chart on the wall with descriptions of levels of how you may feel that they are asking you where are you at. I am in very good shape and so they took me beyond what I think they would take most folks. They asked if I could go 2 levels higher and went 1st to 2 1/2 mins. at a speed of 3.5 and elevation of 12 and then finished with 2 mins. at 4.5 and 16 elevation. I was literally running for that last 2 mins. The treadmill comes to a complete stop and you drop down back on the bed and assume the position on your side as they continue having you take & hold breaths while they shoot many more pictures.
In the end for me it was really worth it! I have been told all along that my EF (Injection Fraction) was between 32 & 35 and now 3 years later my EF is now more like 48. Either way or style the Echo is nothing to be feared. All the best to you!
Jim T. @thankful.