Tests in our office · Near Union Square
Echocardiogram and stress echo
An echo is a safe, painless ultrasound that shows your heart as it beats. A stress echo adds exercise, so we can see how your heart works when it is working hard.
Same-day appointments available
Medically reviewed by Michael Ghalchi, MD, FACC · Review date: Pending review
The short answer
Echocardiogram and stress echo, in brief.
- What it is
- An echocardiogram ("echo") is an ultrasound of your heart. It uses sound waves to make moving pictures of your heart as it beats. A stress echo is an echo combined with a stress test: we take pictures of your heart before and after exercise.
- Why you might need it
- Dr. Ghalchi may suggest an echo if you have chest pain, palpitations or shortness of breath, or a condition such as high blood pressure. A stress echo also helps explain symptoms, and it is a noninvasive way to look for major blockages in the arteries of your heart.
- How long it takes
- Your team will tell you how long to plan for.
- How to prepare
- Our team will tell you if there is anything you need to do before your test. For a stress echo you will exercise, so wear clothes and shoes you can move in.
- Do I need a referral?
- No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
- Insurance
- Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test.
- Results
- Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you.
Right here in our office
Tested here, read by Dr. Ghalchi.
The tests you may need are done right here in our office, quickly — sometimes the same day. Dr. Ghalchi reads your studies and goes over the results with you, and every report is in your patient portal.
MCVA does not do coronary calcium scans, coronary CT angiography or cardiac MRI in our office. If you need one, we arrange it for you.
What an echo can show
The pictures can show problems with your heart valves, damage to the heart muscle, changes in the size of your heart, and heart defects.
Dr. Ghalchi uses what he sees to plan your care.
What a stress echo adds
Some heart problems only show up when your heart is working hard. A stress echo takes pictures of your heart at rest and again right after exercise, so they can be compared.
It helps explain symptoms, and it is a noninvasive way to look for major blockages in the coronary arteries, the arteries that feed your heart.
Want to know more about the exercise part? Read about our exercise stress test.
Questions
Common questions.
Does an echo hurt?
No. An echocardiogram is safe and painless. It uses sound waves, not radiation.
What is the difference between an echo and a stress echo?
A regular echo shows your heart at rest. A stress echo also shows it right after exercise, when your heart is working harder.
How long does it take?
Your team will tell you how long to plan for.
Do I need a referral?
No. You don't need a referral to see Dr. Ghalchi. At your visit, he decides with you which tests make sense.
When do I get my results?
Dr. Ghalchi reads every study himself and goes over the results with you. You can also find your reports in your patient portal.
Is it covered by insurance?
Covered by most plans when medically necessary. We check your benefits before your test. Questions? Call us at 212-686-0066.
Book
Book a visit with Dr. Ghalchi.
Choose an open time online, or call and we’ll find one with you. Same-day appointments available, in-network with most major plans, no referral needed.
873 Broadway, Street Level, near Union Square · Get directions