Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

Dobutamine stress echocardiography is used to measure how your heart will respond to stress under medically supervised conditions if you are unable to exercise.

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic test usually used to assess for coronary artery disease but can also be used in assessment of valvular heart disease.

It is an ultrasound test performed both at rest and then with the heart under "stress". The stress is achieved by having the medication dobutamine injected through an IV cannula. The test takes around 40 minutes.

There will be three staff present for your test, including the cardiologist (who may not be your usual cardiologist), a registered nurse and a sonographer.

You will be connected to an ECG monitor and an intravenous cannula (IVC) will be inserted in your arm or hand. An echocardiogram will be performed at rest. The IVC will be connected to a drip containing Dobutamine. This drug stimulates the heart to pump faster and harder, similar to the effects of exercise. The dose is increased in 3 minute intervals until your heart rate reaches the desired level. Further echocardiography images will be taken during this time.

Your heart rate, blood pressure and heart rhythm will be continuously monitored.

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