DOBUTAMINE STRESS ECHOCARDIOGRAM

What is this test?

A Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram is a test that allows the Cardiologist to assess blood flow to the heart muscle (coronary heart disease) at rest and during “stress” or exercise, allowing the Cardiologist to evaluate the heart while it is working its hardest.

The dobutamine stress echocardiogram was developed for people who are unable to exercise on a treadmill or stationary cycle. During this test, you will be given dobutamine through an intravenous cannula (as an infusion). This is a special medication that will stimulate your heart to beat faster (as if you were actually exercising).

The test has been developed to evaluate the heart muscles respond to stress and hence indirectly assesses for blood flow problems to the heart muscle. It also can be used to provide specific information about valvular disease and pressure in the heart and lungs.