Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram- Cardiology

An echocardiogram is a test that is used to evaluate the heart's capacity and structures. A stress echocardiogram is a test done to survey how well the heart functions under pressure. The "stress" can be activated by either exercising on a treadmill or a medication called dobutamine.

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram might be utilized if you can't exercise. Dobutamine is placed in a vein and makes the heart beat quicker. It impersonates the impacts of activity on the heart.

During the echocardiogram, a transducer conveys ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency that is too high to be heard. When the transducer is set on the chest at specific areas, the ultrasonic sound waves travel through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves bob or "resound" off of the heart structures. The transducer gets the reflected waves and sends them to a computer. The monitor shows the echoes as pictures of the heart spaces and valves.

Why is dobutamine stress echocardiogram required?

Reasons behind getting a dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) may include:

• To evaluate the heart's capacity and structures
• To additionally evaluate the level of known heart valve disease
• To know the limits of safe exercise before you begin cardio rehab or are recovering from a heart problem, for example, a heart attack or heart surgery
• To assess the cardiovascular status before a heart surgery

There may be different reasons behind a DSE.

Which doctor to consult?

Talk to a cardiologist, who will explain to you about the procedure, the risks and after-care.

What to expect during dobutamine stress echocardiogram

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) may be done as an outpatient procedure or in the hospital. Steps may differ depending upon your condition and your doctor's practices.

You will be requested to remove jewelry or different articles that may interfere with the test. You may wear your glasses, dentures, or hearing aids if you are using them.

You will be requested to remove your clothing and will be given an outfit to wear.

You will be requested to empty your bladder before the test.

An intravenous (IV) line will be placed in your arm before the test. It's required for infusion of the dobutamine and to give you IV fluids, if necessary.

You will lie on your left side on a table or bed, however you may be requested to change position during the test.

You will be hooked to an electrocardiogram screen that records the electrical action of your heart and screens your heart using little electrodes that adhere to your skin. Your vital signs will be checked during the test.

The dobutamine drip will start at a rate that is determined by your weight. The rate will be maintained until the maximal dose is achieved.

When you have achieved your target heart rate or the maximum dose of the dobutamine, the drip will be stopped. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will be observed for 10 to 15 minutes until they have come back to the normal state. Last echocardiogram pictures will be taken.

After- care

You may return your usual diet and exercises after determined by your doctor.

There is no special care after a dobutamine stress echocardiogram. Your doctor may give you instructions after the test, depending on your specific circumstance.

References

• Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram - Health Encyclopedia - University of Rochester Medical Center. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=92&contentid=p07968
• What You Need to Know About Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms. (2019). Retrieved from https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/cardiovascular/dobutamine_stress_echocardiogram_92,p07968

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