What is Dobutamine Stress Echo?
This test is a stress test that uses medicine when exercise on the treadmill is not possible. The purpose of the test is to measure how the heart muscle works in patients with suspected heart disease. What can I do to prepare for the test? Do not eat anything four to six hours before the test. If you have diabetes, speak to your doctor about any changes you should make in your diet or medication on the morning of your test. You should wear slacks. A patient gown will be given in the Stress Lab. You will be given an explanation of the test. You also will be asked to read and sign a consent form. What will happen during the test? You will be brought to the Stress Lab. Several areas of your chest will be cleansed and patches will be attached so that your heart can be monitored. You will have an IV placed in your arm so the medication can be given. Throughout the test, ultrasound images (pictures of your heart), EKGs and blood pressure will be taken. These are repeated again ten minutes af
