dobutamine stress echo:

This information is provided exclusively for Queen's Heart patients. Please review this infomation carefully before arriving for your test.

Sometimes patients are unable to walk on a treadmill or exercise long enough to reach a maximum heart rate. When that happens incremental doses of intravenous dobutamine are given. Dobutamine is a drug which increases how fast and how hard your heart pumps blood. It wears off quickly so after the test you should not feel any effects. An IV will be started in a vein on your arm, this is where the dobutamine will be given at evenly spaced times over 12 minutes. During this time an electrocardiogram (EKG) will measure the electrical activity of your heart.

Images of your heart's structure and function are obtained using ultrasound (also known as an echocardiogram) and will be done when you are at rest and during each dose of dobutamine. These images are used to look for changes in wall function due to coronary artery disease.

You may feel a mild headache, shaky, and warm or flushed when the dobutamine is being given. You will also feel your heart start to beat faster and harder, this is normal.

Please let the staff know if you experience problems such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, pain into your jaw or back, and dizziness.

Approximately 2 1/2 hours. You will be asked to stay for approximately 30 minutes following the test to assure you don't have any problems such as chest pain, shortness of breath, nausea, pain into your jaw or back, and dizziness.

There is no special preparation for the test. However, if you smoke tobacco please do not smoke for 4 hours before the test as this will cause abnormal results. Also do not take any beverages or foods with caffeine for 24 hours before the test, this includes Colas, Mountain Dew, energy drinks, coffee, and teas.

Please do not eat anything 4 hours before the test. You may drink water.

Please wear a shirt that can be easily removed while you wear your skirt or pants. One-piece clothing and dresses are not recommended. A hospital pajama top can be provided.

Bring any paperwork and questionnaires your doctor gave you. Please bring medications you are taking.

Please ask your doctor which medicines you should take before the test.

The results of your test will be sent to your doctor who will discuss them with you.

You will be asked to stay for approximately 30 minutes following the test to assure you don't have any problems such as chest pain or pressure, shortness of breath, nausea, pain into your jaw or back, and dizziness.

Should you have any of these feeling when you return home please call your doctor and 9-1-1.

Yes, although you may ask someone to come with you if you don't feel comfortable driving afterwards.

Yes.

Please call the Queen's Pre-Registration Department at 808.543.6520 three days before your test to register. They will ask you questions that are needed for your registration. Please have your medical insurance cards and social security number ready.

On the day of the test you may go directly to Queen's Heart, on the 3rd floor of the Pauahi Building, located directly above the Emergency Room.

Call Queen's Heart at 808.547.4535