Patient Information Guide for Dobutamine Stress Echo

Patient Information Guide for Dobutamine Stress Echo

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Patient Information Guide for

Dobutamine Stress Echo

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What is a Dobutamine Stress Echo?

This is a stress test using a medication called Dobutamine that has the same effect on your heart as walking up and down the stairs. This test is for patients that are unable to walk on the treadmill or pedal a stationary bike.The medication is given slowly by IV with the intention to reach a target heart rate according to your age. Imaging is done with an ultrasound camera through the chest wall before you are given the medication, during a low dose stage, at peak heart rate, and finally in recovery when your heart rate returns to normal.

What Should I do to Prepare for this Test?

Dobutamine is very similar to a chemical that is already in our body, and is released when there is a need to increase our activity.The medication has two actions: it increases the strength of the muscle contraction, and it gradually increases the heart rate.

  • On rare occasions patients can become nauseated if the medication is given after a meal—this is the reason whywe ask that you do not eat for two hours prior to the test.
  • If you are diabetic we suggest that you have small snacks to maintain your blood sugar.
  • Continue to take your usual medications with water, as prescribed by your doctor; please bring a complete list of your current medications with you.

How Long is the Test?

The test takes approximately one hour from start to finish.

What Will Happen During the Test?

  • You will be given a complete explanation of the test with additional time to ask questions, before you sign the consent and begin the test.
  • There will be a sonographer, ECG technician, and nurse in the room. The doctor may not be in the room,however will be available if needed.
  • The nurse will start an IV in your arm and givethe medication; the ECG technician will attach electrodes to your chest. Your heart rhythm and blood pressure will be monitored regularly throughout the test.
  • The sonographer will concentrate on imaging your heart and storing images for the doctor to review at a later time.
  • The Dobutamine medication will be given to you very slowly in stages over approximately 15 minutes; the effect on your heart is similar to doing an exercise class.
  • After the medication is stopped, it takes approximately 10 minutes for your heart rate to return to the pre-test rate.

Will There Be Any Side Effects?

Since the medication is given by IV, your body will absorb and get rid of it quickly. You may feel tired after the test; please bring someone with you to drive you home.

How do I get the Results?

  • The test will be read and reported by a cardiologist, and that report will go to your doctor.
  • The results of the test will come from the referring physician or your family doctor.
  • The sonographer and ECG technician are not able to provide you with any test results.
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