Dobutamine Stress ECHO

Dobutamine is a medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure similar to the effect of exercise. The rise in heart rate increases the oxygen demand of the heart and helps to determine if the heart muscle is getting enough blood and oxygen.

A dobutamine stress echo is a non-invasive ultrasound test that can visualize the heart in motion. It is used to evaluate coronary artery disease in patients who are unable to exercise on a treadmill. This test helps the cardiologist evaluate the patient's cardiac condition related to how well the heart muscle and valves are working and how they function under stress.

During the Procedure

To view the heart, your doctor will place a transducer on your chest which emits harmless sound waves to your heart. These sound waves generate pictures of your heart in motion and are displayed on an ultrasound machine connected to the transducer.

Your doctor will examine the muscle movement of the heart (also called wall motion) while you are at rest. Then, your doctor will inject a medication called dobutamine through an IV. This causes your heart to beat faster, simulating the effects exercise has on your heart. The doctor will then examine these pictures of your heart and compare them to the pictures taken while you were at rest.

If the results of your stress echo show decreased muscle movement during stress than while resting, it is an indicator that there could be plaque buildup (atherosclerosis) in your arteries. The doctor will determine if any other testing is necessary to ensure that your heart is functioning properly.

Why is the doctor performing this test?
To determine how well the heart is pumping blood through the coronary (heart) arteries.

Where is the test performed?
In Diagnostic Cardiology on UMC's 4th Floor.

How long does this test take?
Approximately 30–45 minutes:

• Preparation: 10–15 minutes
  
• Testing: 15 minutes
  
• Recovery: 10 – 15 minutes

Following this test, an EKG and Echocardiogram are often performed.