Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram combines an echocardiogram (also called a cardiac ultrasound) with a stress test. It allows the doctors to determine how well the heart works when it is made to beat faster and harder.

Generally, a stress test is done while patients walk on a treadmill. For patients who are unable to exercise adequately, dobutamine, a drug that mimics the effect of exercise on the heart, is injected in place of exercise.

Ultrasound echo images are taken of the heart at rest. Dobutamine is then injected through an IV line. The drug causes the heart to pump faster and harder. At that time, additional echo images are compared side-by-side. If an area of the heart is not receiving enough blood, the heart muscle will show a decrease in pumping power when compared to the resting image, indicating a potential blockage of an artery. The results help your doctor accurately diagnose your condition and develop a treatment plan that's best for you.

The test takes approximately 90 minutes.

For more information about Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography, please call (603) 326-5847.