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Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
What is it?
It is a non-invasive stress investigation that involves the use of echocardiogram for individuals who are unable to exercise adequately on the treadmill. Instead of exercising on the treadmill, dobutamine will be given to you intravenously to make your heart pump as hard as if you were exercising.
An echocardiogram is a non-invasive imaging technique that enables your cardiologist to visualize how your heart pumps. It makes use of sound waves to produce moving images of your heart while it pumps blood around your body.
How it works
Before the test, the cardiac sonographer will spread gel and applies sticky patches (electrodes) on your chest wall. The sonographer will then apply a device (known as a transducer) on the gel, aiming an ultrasound beam against your heart at different angles in order to obtain a collective set of moving images of your heart produced by the computer. The moving images will be displayed on the monitor which you can see “live”.
Why do I need one?
After weighing the risks and benefits of this procedure, your Cardiologist would have determined on the basis of your condition that it is more beneficial for you to undergo this procedure.
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This test is necessary to evaluate the function of your heart and valves while it undergoes “stress”. Your Cardiologist will be able to assess how your heart pumps and how your heart valves function while your heart exercises under the influence of dobutamine infusion.
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Your Cardiologist can also assess the possibility you having any significant coronary artery disease (narrowed or blocked arteries).
