DOBUTAMINE STRESS ECHO
About the Procedure:
Your physician has ordered this test which records the movement of the heart’s valves and chamber walls with ultrasound waves. This technique compares how your heart works when stressed by medication (dobutamine), during specific time intervals. The medication is used to stimulate exercise by increasing your heart rate and contraction of your heart instead of walking in the treadmill. Echocardiography is conducted four times during the procedure,
During the test, a probe is placed against the chest that sends high frequency sound waves over the various heart structures. As the sound waves bounce off the moving structures of the heart they are converted to electronic signals, producing a video image of the heart. The sound waves are harmless.
What to Expect:
After changing into a patient gown, you will lie quietly on a table while the test is being performed. A small amount of gel will be placed on the lower part of the sternum and angled toward the heart. As the technician manipulates the probe, you may feel slight pressure on the sternum. You will be asked to turn on your side and hold your breath for short periods as the technician acquires images.
For the stress portion of the test, 10 electrodes will be placed on your chest so electrodes are to be placed because a clear area is needed to get the best readings. A small needle will be placed in the patient’s arm or hand so the medication can be accessed to the heart. A nurse will be present to control the dosage and rate of the medications, allowing the heart rate to increase to a target heart rate calculated by the patient’s age. Possible side recordings on your heart can be made. Chest hair will be shaved in the areas where the effects of the medication are palpitations, tingling, flushing and headache. Your heart rhythm and rate are monitored continuously while the medication is injected. Ultrasound pictures will be obtained throughout the test for comparison. After the procedure is completed, a cardiologist will discuss the results with the patient.
How to Prepare:
© Wear comfortable clothing that can be easily removed from the waist up.
© Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the test.
© Bring a list of your medications with you
© Take your medications with a small amount of liquid if they are normally taken in the morning.
How long will it take:
A Dobutamine stress echo takes approximately 1 to 1 1/2 hours
After the Procedure:
You may feel slight discomfort in the area of the sternum for a short time after the test. Other than that, there are no lasting effects from the procedure.