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World J Cardiol. Aug 26, 2010; 2(8): 223-232
Published online Aug 26, 2010. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v2.i8.223
Published online Aug 26, 2010. doi: 10.4330/wjc.v2.i8.223
Exercise echocardiography
Jesus Peteiro, Alberto Bouzas-Mosquera, Laboratory of Echocardiography, Department of Cardiology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, 15011-A Coruña, Spain
Author contributions: Peteiro J participated in the design and preparation of the manuscript and figures; Bouzas-Mosquera A participated in the preparation and review of the manuscript.
Correspondence to: Jesus Peteiro, MD, PhD, Laboratory of Echocardiography, Department of Cardiology, Complejo Hospitalario Universitario de A Coruña, P/Ronda 5-4º izda, 15011-A Coruña, Spain. pete@canalejo.org
Telephone: +34-81-917859 Fax: +34-81-178001
Received: July 3, 2010
Revised: August 1, 2010
Accepted: August 8, 2010
Published online: August 26, 2010
Revised: August 1, 2010
Accepted: August 8, 2010
Published online: August 26, 2010
Abstract
Exercise echocardiography has been used for 30 years. It is now considered a consolidated technique for the diagnosis and risk stratification of patients with known or suspected coronary artery disease (CAD). Of the stress echocardiography techniques, it represents the first choice for patients who are able to exercise. Given that the cost-effectiveness and safety of stress echocardiography are higher than those of other imaging techniques, its use is likely to be expanded further. Recent research has also proposed this technique for the evaluation of cardiac pathology beyond CAD. Although the role of new technology is promising, the assessment of cardiac function relies on good quality black and white harmonic images.