Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) may be used if you are unable to exercise. Dobutamine is put in a vein and causes the heart to beat faster. It mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.

How do I get ready for a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?

  • Your doctor will explain the procedure to you and let you ask questions.
  • You will be asked to sign a consent form that gives your permission to do the test. Read the form carefully and ask questions if anything is not clear.
  • Tell the doctor if you are allergic to or sensitive to any medications or latex.
  • Fasting (not eating) may be required before the test. Your doctor will give you instructions on how long you should withhold food and/or liquids. Tobacco use and caffeinated beverages, such as coffee, tea, and soda, may be restricted several hours before testing.
  • Tell your doctor of all medications (prescription and over-the-counter), vitamins, herbs, and supplements that you are taking.
  • You may be instructed to hold certain medications before the procedure, such as beta blockers. Your doctor will give you specific instructions
  • If you are pregnant or think you may be pregnant, you should notify your doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you have a pacemaker.
  • Based on your medical condition, your doctor may request other specific preparation.

 

What happens during a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) may be done on an outpatient basis or as part of your hospital stay. Procedures may vary depending on your condition and your doctor’s practices.

Generally, a DSE follows this process:

  • You will be asked to remove any jewelry or other objects that may interfere with the procedure. You may wear your glasses, dentures, or hearing aids if you use any of these.
  • You will be asked to remove clothing from the waist up and will be given a gown to wear.
  • You will be asked to empty your bladder prior to the procedure.
  • An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm prior to the procedure. It’s needed for injection of the dobutamine and to give you IV fluids, if needed.
  • You will lie on your left side on a table or bed, but may be asked to change position during the test.
  • You will be connected to an electrocardiogram (ECG)  monitor that records the electrical activity of your heart and monitors your heart during the procedure using small electrodes that stick to your skin. Your vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen level) will be monitored during the procedure. The ECG tracing that records the electrical activity of your heart will be compared to the images displayed on the echocardiogram monitor.
  • The room will be darkened so that the images on the echo monitor can be seen by the technologist.
  • The technologist will place warmed gel on your chest and then place the transducer on the gel. You will feel a slight pressure as the technologist positions the transducer to get the best image of your heart.
  • The dobutamine infusion will begin at a rate determined by your weight. The rate of the infusion will be increased every few minutes until you have reached your target heart rate (determined by the doctor based on your age and physical condition), or until the maximum dose of dobutamine has been reached.
  • After the dobutamine is started and after each increase in the dobutamine, your blood pressure will be checked, an ECG tracing will be done, and echocardiogram images will be recorded.
  • The technologist will move the transducer around on your chest so that all areas and structures of your heart can be seen.
  • Once you have reached your target heart rate or the maximum amount of the dobutamine, the medication will be stopped. Your heart rate, blood pressure, ECG, and echo will continue to be monitored for 10 to 15 minutes until they have returned to the baseline state.
  • Tell the technologist if you feel any chest pain, breathing difficulties, sweating, or heart palpitations at any time during the test.
  • Once all the images have been taken, the technologist will wipe the gel from your chest, remove the ECG pads, and take out the IV line. You may then put on your clothes.

 

What happens after a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?

You may go back your usual diet and activities unless your doctor tells you differently.

Generally, there is no special type of care following a dobutamine stress echocardiogram. However, your doctor may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.

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