Welcome to the Shick Heart Center
Dobutamine Stress Test
This test is used to help identify and diagnose coronary heart disease. Dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a combination of ultrasound studies with a drug induced stress component. It is generally indicated for patients who are unable to ambulate on a treadmill. The drug dobutamine is injected through a
vein in your arm. Dobutamine causes your heart to pump faster as though you were exercising on the treadmill. In order for ultrasound images to be taken when the heart is at rest and stress, a transducer must be held against the chest to develop an image. The image will be visualized on a television like screen and recorded on videotape. During the test a clear gel will be applied to the left side of your chest on which the transducer will be applied. This gel is utilized to improve the quality of the pictures. Preparation is minimal. The physician may ask you to go without eating two hours prior to the test.
For more information about Heart Disease, Diagnosis and Treatments visit the American Heart Association Website