The Echocardiography Laboratory of Hospital da Luz Setúbal has carried out over a thousand stress (or exercise) echocardiograms, placing it among the top hospitals in the country with the greater number and more experience in this type of exams. A stress echocardiogram is an exam assessing the function of the heart and respective blood flow through imaging, during exercise in a treadmill or bicycle , being fundamental to diagnose particular diseases that are only manifest under such circumstances. It is used, namely, to diagnose: Coronary artery disease (angina pectoris); Disease of the heart muscle; Cardiac insufficiency; Heart valve disease; Pulmonary hypertension; Surgery risk stratification. On the other hand, it also helps in the clarification of symptoms or “findings” in athletes or individuals exposed to extreme conditions (such as scuba diving or high altitude). The Echocardiography Laboratory of Hospital da Luz Setúbal has received the maximum certification (“Advanced”) by the European Association of Cardiovascular Imaging (EACVI), in the three exam modalities (transthoracic, transesophageal and overload). For the clients of Hospital da Luz Setúbal, this accreditation represents a guarantee of compliance with the quality standards of excellence in the exams provided, as well as an assurance of the adequate training of the lab’s professionals.
