Testing Center
Dobutamine Stress Echo Test


What is a dobutamine stress echo test?
The dobutamine stress echo test involves taking a medication called dobutamine while you are closely monitored. The medication stimulates your heart and makes it "think" it is exercising. The test is used to evaluate your heart and valve function when you are unable to exercise on a treadmill or stationery cycle. The test is also used to:

• determine how well your heart tolerates activity;
• determine your likelihood of having coronary artery disease (blocked arteries); and
• evaluate the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.

Can I eat or drink on the day of the test?
Yes. However, DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for 2 hours before the test.

Should I take my medications the day of the test?
DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your physician tells you otherwise or if the medication is needed to treat chest discomfort:

Beta blockers

• Atenonol (Tenormin)
• Lopressor (Metoprolol, Toprol)
• Inderal (Propanolol)
• Zebeta (Bisoprolol)
• Ziac (Bisoprolol Hydrochlorothiazide)

Your physician may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. If you have any questions about your medications, ask your physician.

NOTE: Do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your physician.

What happens during the test?
Your exercise stress test will take place in the Stress Echo Lab located in the Testing Center. The testing area is supervised by a physician.

• First, a technician will gently rub ten small areas on your chest and place electrodes (small, flat, sticky patches) on these areas. The electrodes are attached to an electrocardiograph monitor (EKG) that charts your heart's electrical activity during the test.
• An intravenous (IV) will be inserted into a vein in your arm so the dobutamine medication can be delivered directly into your bloodstream.
• The technician will perform a resting EKG, measure your resting heart rate and take your blood pressure.
• The technician will ask you to lie on your left side on an exam table so he or she can perform a resting echocardiogram (also called an "echo"). An echocardiogram is a graphic outline of the heart's movement created from ultrasound vibrations echoed from the heart's structures. The technician will place a wand (called a transducer) on your chest so the physician can see the outline of the heart's movement. This should not hurt.
• The physician or nurse will administer the dobutamine medication into the IV wile the technician continues to obtain echo images.
• The medication will cause your heart to react as if you were exercising.
• At regular intervals, the lab personnel will ask how you are feeling. Please tell them if you feel chest, arm or jaw pain or discomfort, short of breath, dizzy, lightheaded or if you have any other unusual symptoms.
• The lab personnel will watch for any changes on the EKG monitor that suggest the test should be stopped.
• The IV will be removed from your arm once all of the medication has entered your bloodstream.

How will I feel during the test?
The dobutamine may cause a warm, flushing feeling and in some cases, a mild headache. If you begin to notice these symptoms or other symptoms of concern such as chest discomfort, excessive shortness of breath or irregular heart beats, tell the stress lab personnel immediately.

How long does the test take?
The appointment will take about 60 minutes. The actual infusion time is usually about 15 minutes.