Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram combines a stress test and the echocardiogram, but is used in people who are unable to exercise. In lieu of exercise on a treadmill, the medication dobutamine is given, which simulates the treadmill exercise test by raising the heart rate. During the test your heart is continuously monitored with an electrocardiogram (ECG) and your doctor can assess your heart function both at rest and while under stress.

Following are some frequently asked questions about the test and how to prepare for it. Click on the question for the answer, which will appear below the questions.

What will happen during the test?

The entire test will take approximately 1 ½ hours. You will be asked to remove your shirt or blouse and put on a gown or a sheet to keep you comfortable and maintain privacy. After lying on an examination table, the technician—called a sonographer—will apply a colorless gel to your chest. The transducer will be moved back and forth across your chest to record several views of your heart.

Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your electrocardiogram throughout the test, and a blood pressure cuff will be placed around your arm to monitor your blood pressure periodically during the test. First resting images of the heart will be obtained.

Second, a small intravenous (IV) line will be placed in a superficial vein in your arm or hand. A special pump will be used to infuse dobutamine into your bloodstream for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.

When maximum heart rate is reached you will roll on to your left hip with your left arm under head. The sonographer will capture the stress echocardiography images for one minute. You may be asked to exhale and hold it for as long as you can during this part of the test. The sonographer will record and store both the rest and the stress images.

After completion of the dobutamine infusion, we will continue to monitor your blood and electrocardiogram for a few minutes.

What is the preparation for the test?

Be sure to bring someone with you to drive you home.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.

Since your blood pressure will be checked periodically during the test, wear a short-sleeved shirt or blouse.

Do not wear boots, jumpsuits, overalls, or a dress.

Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for eight hours before your stress test. Items with caffeine include: colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain cold remedies.

Do not eat anything 4 hours prior to the stress test.

Please do not smoke or exercise 8 hours before testing.

You should continue to take all medications, unless your cardiologist instructs you to do otherwise.

What should I bring with me to the dobutamine stress echocardiogram?

Where will the test be performed?

The test will be performed at:

Legacy Heart Center
6601 Preston Road
Plano, Texas 75024
469-326-3400
Link to map

Once your appointment has been scheduled it is very important that you keep that appointment. If you are unable to keep the appointment, you must give the office at least 24 hours notice that you will not be there. Please contact us at the phone number above. Our busy schedule requires tight scheduling restrictions, and it would be appreciated if you would notify our office if you will be late for your appointment. We would appreciate your complete cooperation.

Who will give me the test results?

After a review of the test, your medical history, other imaging modalities and previous tests by a Legacy Heart Center cardiologist, a report will be sent to the ordering physician. The ordering physician will then review the results and discuss them with you.