Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a two-in-one tool that compares cardiac function at a rested and stressed state. Like a regular echocardiogram, a type of ultrasound where sound waves are used to create and capture images of your heart and surrounding structures, will be used. Then you will have an IV administer dobutamine, which causes the heart to beat faster. It mimics the effects of exercise on the heart. The technicians will conclude with a final ultrasound to have another look at your heart while it is elevated. Unprecedented image quality is produced non-invasively, safely, and with absolutely no radiation involved!
Please follow these instructions the day of your dobutamine stress echocardiogram :
- No coffee, tea, chocolate or soda pop. Please also avoid decaf products since they still have trace amounts of caffeine that can interfere with your test.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes for your time on the treadmill.
- Please inform the clinic if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma previous to arriving for this test.
- Bring a list of your medications with you.
- If you take any prescribed medication that ends in the letters “LOL”, you will stop taking this medication a full 24 hours before your appointment time.
- Please inform the clinic if you have been diagnosed with glaucoma previous to arriving for this test.
- Eat well and stay hydrated.
- Get plenty of rest the night before.
How long will the appointment last ?
It usually takes between 45-60 minutes for the dobutamine stress echo to be completed. The duration will depend on what specifically is being investigated in your case.
