Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
An echocardiogram is an ultrasound or sound wave test of the heart. Sound waves are transmitted from an instrument called a transducer probe into your body. The sound waves reflect (echo) off the heart to create pictures that can be seen on a screen.
When a patient is unable to walk on a treadmill, it becomes necessary to use a medication called Dobutamine to replace the treadmill portion of the test. This test will help your doctor determine if there are any structural abnormalities within your heart and if there are any areas of the heart muscle that do not receive enough blood supply due to coronary artery disease. Areas of the heart that may have been damaged from a previous heart attack may also be seen. A series of images are obtained during the infusion of the medication. You will be continuously monitored for blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG changes. The entire test takes approximately one hour.
The test is used to:
- Determine how well your heart tolerates activity
- Evaluate the function of your heart and valves
- Determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease (blocked arteries)
- Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan
Preparing for the test:
- You must fast 8 hours prior to the test.
- Take all of your regular medications the morning of the test unless otherwise instructed by your physician or procedure scheduler. If you have diabetes and take medications to manage your blood sugar, you may want to contact your family physician about how to adjust your medications the day of your test.
- Wear comfortable, two-piece clothing. You will need to change into an exam cape to wear during the procedure
- Please remove all neck jewelry prior to the test.
- Please notify the RN or technologist performing the test if you have a history of glaucoma or asthma.
What to expect during the test:
- Before the test, a cardiac sonographer (an allied health professional who has been trained specifically to perform ultrasound examinations) will place small electrodes on your chest. The electrodes will be attached to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor that charts your heart's electrical activity during the test.
- Before an IV is started, the sonographer will perform a resting ECG, measure your resting heart rate and take your blood pressure.
- You will be asked to lie on your left side on an exam table so he or she can perform a resting echo. The sonographer will place a transducer on several areas of your chest. It will have a small amount of cool gel on the end. The gel will not harm your skin and aids in obtaining clearer pictures of the heart's movement. This should not hurt. Sounds are part of the Doppler signal, so you will be able to hear the sounds of blood passing through your heart valves during the test.
- A nurse will insert an intravenous line (IV) into a vein in your arm and begin delivering the Dobutamine.
- A physician or physician assistant will be present during medication administration.
- The medication will cause your heart rate to react as if you were exercising; your heart rate will rise and you may feel it beating more strongly. It may cause a warm, flushing feeling and, in some cases, a mild headache.
- At regular intervals, the physician will ask how you are feeling. If you feel chest, arm or jaw pain or discomfort, short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded, irregular heartbeats or if you have any other unusual symptoms, tell the physician immediately.
- Upon completion of Dobutamine infusion, the intravenous line will be removed and your heart rate, blood pressure and ECG will continue to be monitored until the levels have returned to normal.
- The entire test takes about an hour.
What to expect after the test:
After the cardiologist reviews your test, the results will go into your electronic medical record, and you will be informed of the outcome. You should expect your referring physician to receive the results of your test within seven to 10 days.