Dobutamine Stress Echo

What is a Dobutamine Stress Echo?

A Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (or “Echo”) is a test that combines an ultrasound study of the heart with a stress test. It allows doctors to learn how the heart functions when it is made to work harder.

Generally a stress test is done while patients walk on a treadmill or ride a stationary bicycle. For patients who are unable to exercise adequately the test may be done after injection of dobutamine a drug that has an effect on the heart similar to exercise.

What does it show?

An echo study is first performed while your heart is at rest. Dobutamine is injected very slowly over a period of minutes into one of the veins in your arm. The drug causes your heart to pump faster and harder, as if you were exercising. Additional echo images are obtained during and after the infusion of dobutamine. Doctors then compare the images side by side.

The Dobutamine Stress Echo is especially useful in diagnosing coronary heart disease - the presence of blockages in coronary arteries (vessel that supplies oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle).

Preparing for the test

  • Do not eat or drink atleast 4 hours before the test
  • If you are currently taking any heart medication, check with your doctor. He / She may ask you to stop certain medications a day or two before the test. This can help    get more accurate test results.
  • Before the test, you’ll be given a brief explanation of the test and you’ll be asked to sign a consent form.
  • An intra-venous (IV) line will be inserted into the vein in your arm, to allow the injection of dobutamine and other drugs

Electrodes (small sticky patches) will be placed on your chest and shoulders to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG), a recording of your heart’s electrical activity.

What happens during the test?

  • Resting Echo study is done
  • Dobutamine is given slowly through the IV line
  • Another ECHO study is done while your heart is beating rapidly

Is the Dobutamine Stress Echo safe?

The Dobutamine Echo Study is very safe. There are no known risks from the ultrasound waves.A small amount of risk does exist because it stresses the heart. Possible complications may include abnormal heart rhythms and low blood pressure. Experienced doctors are available to handle any emergency.

Test results

Your doctor at Sunshine will discuss the test results with you. The information gained from the Dobutamine Stress Echo helps your doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that’s best for you.