Dobutamine (medication) Stress Echo Instructions

Appointment date and time:_________________________________________

This type of echocardiogram uses the drug dobutamine and harmless sound waves to help see if any blood vessels in your heart are blocked. This test is often done in a hospital or cardiac testing center.

 Location

Una Vie Cardiology Center, 2451 Intelliplex Drive, Shelbyville, IN. From highway 9, turn onto Intelliplex Drive (across the highway from Ashford Place Health Campus). Follow Intelliplex Drive to the last building on the left, the Intelliplex Medical Arts Building. Enter the building through the revolving glass door. Testing is done on the 1st floor, Suite 120.

For questions regarding the test, or to cancel or reschedule your appointment, please call the UnaVie Cardiology Center: 317-421-1900

Please give 24-hours notice for cancellations. Please arrive 30 minutes before your appointment time to check in and get set up. This is very important to ensure that everyone is served in a timely manner.

Before Your Test

Prepare a list of all over-the-counter or prescription medications, herbs or supplements you are taking.

Take your morning medications, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

You may eat a light breakfast and drink water.

Diabetic patients take insulin or diabetic medications as usual.

Do not have any caffiene for 24 hours prior to test. This includes coffee, tea, chocolates, soft drinks, energy drinks, or medications containing caffiene.

No smoking after midnight the morning of the test.

Wear a comfortable 2-piece outfit. You may need to undress from the waist up and put on a short hospital gown.

During Your Test

• Small pads (electrodes) are placed on your chest to record your heartbeat. A blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm. Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test.

• An intravenous (IV) line is started in your arm to administer the medication for the test.

• During the first part of the test,  a painless device (transducer) coated with cool gel is moved firmly over your chest. This device creates sound waves that make images of your heart on a screen.

• At times you may be asked to inhale or exhale and hold your breath for a few seconds. Air in your lungs can affect the images.

• The transducer may also be used to do a doppler study. This test measures the direction and speed of the blood flowing through the heart. During the test you may hear a whoosing sound. This is the sound of blood flowing through the heart.

• During the stress portion of the test, Dobutamine is slowly given through your IV. The medication will cause your heat rate to go up as you are exercising. It is normal to feel your heart pound for a few minutes. You will be asked to do some small exercise movements such as leg lifts, ankle pumps, or squeezing a ball. Any amount of exercise you can do will limit the amount of medication you need to receive.

• Echo images are taken while you feel the effects of the drug and after your pulse returns to normal. You may be given a second drug to slow your heartbeat to a normal level

After Your Test

When the test is over, you may return to your normal routine. Ask your doctor about taking any medicine that you were told to skip before the test. Your doctor will discuss your test results with you during a future office visit. The test results help the doctor plan your treatment and any other tests that may be needed.