A dobutamine (drug) stress echo is a test that combines an ultrasound study
of the heart with a resting stress test. This test is usually done for patients
that are unable to adequately exercise.
On the day of the test, you will need to register in Outpatient Registration
Area on first floor of the Medical Center behind the Information Desk. Plan
to arrive one hour before your scheduled test time. Following registration,
you will be directed to Cardiopulmonary Services on the second floor for the
stress test.
To prepare for this test:
- No Drinking or Eating for Three Hours Before the Test
- Take All Medication as Scheduled with Small Sips of Water, Unless
Otherwise Directed by the Ordering Physician
- No Smoking for Two Hours Before the Test
- Bring in a List of Medications, Dosage and Frequency
- Do Not Take Beta-Blocker Medications
An informed consent must be signed by you and the cardiologist performing
the test. Patches will be applied to your chest area and attached to an ECG
machine, which will monitor the heart throughout the test. An IV will be started
to administer medication. You will then be instructed to lie on your left side
on a table. The technician will take pictures of your heart and store them
on a disk and videotape.
After the doctor arrives, the dobutamine (medication) will be started in the
IV. This will cause the heart rate to increase gradually. You will remain lying
on the examination table while the technologist takes echo pictures at several
intervals determined by the dose of the drug given. Pictures will again be
repeated when the heart rate returns to normal. After the test is completed,
the doctor will compare the pictures taken throughout the test. This will show
how the heart responds to the stress induced by the drug.
The test will take about one to one and a half hours to complete .
The patient's vital signs will be monitored until they return to baseline readings.
The physician conducting the test may give you preliminary results at the
completion of the test. However, some physicians prefer to send the results
to the ordering physician for you to discuss the results with their physician.
