Cardiac Center
MRK-D-37-2012
Dobutamine Stress Echo
What is this test? It is a graphic outline of the heart’s movement, valves and chambers. The Dobutamine Stress Echo test involves infusing a medication called Dobutamine through an intravenous (IV) line, while you are closely monitored. The medication stimulates your heart and makes it «think» it is exercising. The test is used to evaluate your heart and valve function when you are unable to exercise on a treadmill or stationary cycle. What is this test used for? •• Determine how well your heart tolerates stress or exertion. •• Evaluate the function of your heart and valves. •• Evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan. •• Determine the likelihood of having Coronary Artery Disease and the need for further testing.
How to prepare for this test? •• DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test. DO NOT drink or eat caffeine products for 24 hours before the test. •• Ask your doctor what medications should be taken before and on the day of your test. DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of the test unless your physician tells you otherwise or if the medication is needed emergency (Beta blockers/ Sorbide dinitrate / Isosorbide mononitrate / Nitroglycerin). •• If you have diabetes and take medications to manage your blood sugar, ask your physician how to adjust your medications the day of your test. DO NOT take your diabetes medication and skip a meal before the test. Bring glaucose monitor to check your blood sugar levels before and after the test, then tell the result to the lab personnel immediately passed on that you will eat and take your blood sugar medication after your test. •• You can wear whatever you like. You will need to change into a hospital gown to wear during the procedure. Do not bring valuables. What to expect during the test? •• Before the test the nurse or physician will explain the procedure in detail, including possible complications and side effects. They will be available to answer any questions you may have.
•• First a Sonographer will gently rub ten small areas of your chest, and
place small sticky electrode patches to these areas. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph (ECG) monitor, which charts your heart’s electrical activity during the test. •• An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your arm so the Dobutamine medication can be delivered directly into your bloodstream. The cardiac sonographer will perform a resting ECG, measure your heart rate and take your blood pressure. •• The sonographer will ask you to lie on your left side on an exam table so he or she can perform a resting echo. The sonographer will place a wand on several areas of your chest. The wand will have a small amount of cool gel on the end, which will not harm your skin. This gel helps get clearer pictures. This should not hurt. •• The physician or nurse will administer the Dobutamine medication into the IV line while the cardiac sonographer continues to obtain echo images. •• The medication will cause your heart to react as if your 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 lab personnel will ask how you are feeling, and
will check your EKG, blood pressure and heart rate. Please tell them if you feel chest, arm, or jaw pain or discomfort; shortness of breath, dizziness; lightheadedness; or irregular heartbeats immediately. This procedure is usually well tolerated, but occasionally there are complications. Please consult the health care provider performing the test about the associated risks. •• As soon as your heart rate is adequately high, echo pictures are taken. The IV line will be removed from your arm once all of the medication has entered your bloodstream. •• The Dobutamine stress echo takes about 60 minutes. The actual infusion time is usually 15 minutes. You should also plan to stay in the waiting room for at least 30 minutes after completing the procedure, or until all of the symptoms you have experienced are resolved. •• After the cardiologist reviews your test, the results will go into your electronic medical record. Your physician will have access to the results and will discuss them with you.
Ask your doctor if you have any questions about the test
Cardiac Center 02-650-9000 Ext: 6174-1886