Updated knowledge and practical implementations of stress echocardiography in ischemic and non-ischemic cardiac diseases: An expert consensus of the Working Group of Echocardiography of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology

Abstract

Stress echocardiography (SE) is a well established and valid technique, widely used for the diagnostic evaluation of patients with ischemic and nonischemic cardiac diseases. This statement of the Echocardiography Working Group of the Hellenic Society of Cardiology summarizes the consensus of the writing group regarding the applications of SE, based on the expertise of their members and on a critical review of present medical literature. The main objectives of the consensus document include a comprehensive review of SE methodology and training-which focus on the preparation, the protocols used, the analysis of the SE images, and updated, evidence-based knowledge about SE applications on ischemic and nonischemic heart diseases, such as in cardiomyopathies, heart failure, and valvular heart disease.

Keywords: Cardiac valves; Cardiomyopathy; Coronary artery disease; Nonischemic disease; Stress echocardiography.