RECOMMENDATIONS FOR SETTING UP A STRESS E CHOCARDIOGRAPHY LABORATORY

Stress echocardiography has been introduced to modern cardiology as a new, noninvasive diagnostic tool which combines cardiovascular stress with the echocardiographic images of the left ventricle. Indications f or this technique are the detection of coronary artery disease as well as planning the management of patients with acute myocardial infarcti on. Numerous studies have documented the safe use and high diagnostic accuracy of stress echocardiography. For it to gain wider clinical acc eptance as a routine technique, it is, however, necessary to establish standardized procedures. This article will formulate recommendations for establishing a stress echocardiography laboratory based on our own 5-year experience.