Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram Procedure

An examination called stress echocardiography measures how effectively the heart performs under pressure. The "stress" can be brought on by either treadmill activity or the drug dobutamine. If you are unable to exercise, a dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) may be performed. Dobutamine increases heart rate when injected into a vein. The heart's response to exercise is simulated.

Why is Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram Recommended?

Dobutamine is used by medical professionals to raise your heart rate if you are unable to exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.

Test results are used to

• Check your heart's capacity for action
• Calculate your likelihood of developing coronary artery disease
• The severity of cardiac valve disease should be determined
• Before undergoing heart surgery
• Check your heart's functionality
• Check the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment regimen.

Precautions

• Up to four hours before the test, you can consume most things.
• Up to the moment of the test, you can keep drinking water.
• On the test day, refrain from smoking. The results of your echocardiography may be impacted by nicotine.
• For 24 hours before the test, refrain from consuming any products containing caffeine, such as soda, energy drinks, chocolate, coffee, or tea.
• Test results may be affected by caffeine. Avoid decaffeinated or caffeine-free items as well, as they still contain trace levels of the stimulant.
• Before the test, you will be instructed to clear your bladder.

Procedure for Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

• Any jewellery or other objects that can obstruct the test will need to be taken off. If you use glasses, dentures, or hearing aids, you may wear them.
• You will be given a gown to wear and instructed to remove all clothing above the waist.
• An intravenous (IV) line will be started in your hand or arm prior to the test. It's required to administer the dobutamine injection and, if necessary, IV fluids.
• On a table, you will lie on your left side, though the test may require you to adjust your position at some point.
• Your heart will be monitored during the test using tiny electrodes that are attached to your skin by an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor, which will be wired to you. Throughout the exam, your vital indicators (heart rate, blood pressure, breathing rate, and oxygen level) will be watched. The images on the echocardiography monitor and the ECG trace, which record the electrical activity of your heart, will be contrasted.
• The technician will be able to view the images on the echo monitor because the room will be made dark.
• Your chest will be covered in the warmed gel by the technologist, who will then place the transducer on the gel.
• As the technologist sets the transducer to produce the optimum image, you may feel a tiny pressure.
• Your weight will dictate the rate at which the dobutamine infusion will start.
• Every few minutes, the pace of the infusion will be increased until you achieve your goal heart rate, which the doctor will calculate depending on your age and physical condition. This process will continue until the maximum amount of dobutamine has been administered.
• Your blood pressure, an ECG trace, and echocardiography images will all be taken before the dobutamine is started as well as after each increase in the dose.
• To see all of your heart's structures and locations, the technologist will move the transducer around on your chest.
• The medication will be withdrawn after you attain your desired heart rate or have received the maximum dose.
• Your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will be observed until they have returned to their baseline values, which should take 10 to 15 minutes. Pictures from the last echocardiography will be taken.
• At any point throughout the test, let the technician know if you have any chest pain, difficulty breathing, perspiration, or heart palpitations.
• The technologist will wipe the gel from your chest, take off the ECG pads, and remove the IV line after all the images have been captured. You can then put on your clothes after that.

Risks/Side Effects

Dobutamine can cause a minor headache when it first enters your body. A small reduction in blood pressure is another frequent adverse effect.