Dobutamine stress echocardiography

During a dobutamine stress echocardiography, an echocardiography is performed while dobutamine is administered intravenously. Dobutamine makes the heart beat faster, simulating physical exertion.

Sometimes, resting echocardiography provides insufficient information about the heart. Certain abnormalities are only visible when the heart is stressed. An echocardiography by dobutamine administration can show whether all parts of the heart are contracting properly and whether there is oxygen deficiency.

Your cardiologist may ask you to stop certain medication that slows the heart rhythm (for example, beta blockers or some calcium antagonists) temporarily for a few days before this examination. Before administering the medication, the physician will check that there are no indications that you should not take it (contraindications).

Electrodes are attached to the upper body to record an electrocardiogram. You will receive an infusion into a blood vessel in your arm to administer the dobutamine. For automatic blood pressure measurement, you get a blood pressure monitor around the upper arm. You take place on the examination table and lie on your left side.

Gel is applied to your chest and the ultrasound probe is held against your chest in different places. Dobutamine, and possibly atropine, will be administered intravenously to increase heart rate. This happens very quickly. It is important to tell the physician if symptoms arise during the test. The examination takes approximately 45 minutes.

• Sometimes, there is a reason to end the examination early. The infusion is stopped in case of the following signs: rhythm disorders, shortness of breath, headache, chills, nausea, chest pain or seriously elevated blood pressure. If necessary, an additional medication may be administered in order to make the symptoms disappear.
• During the study, you will be monitored constantly. The electrocardiogram and blood pressure measurement are used for this purpose. These measurements allow for the timely detection of any heart rhythm disturbances. Equipment and medication to treat any potential heart rhythm disturbances are always available.
• Due to the atropine, older men may have temporary difficulty in urinating.

At the end of the consultation, the cardiologist will discuss the findings as well as possible changes in treatment with you.

After the test, you may feel somewhat tired. No specific aftercare is required.

Latest publication date: 16/05/2024
Supervising author: Dr Provenier Frank