Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A stress echocardiogram that uses medication instead of exercise to assess how your heart responds under stress.
What is a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?
A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic test to assess the structure and function of your heart and blood vessels, both when they are at rest and under stress. It is a reliable alternative test for people who are unable to safely complete the exercises required for an exercise stress echocardiogram.
Dobutamine is a medication that mimics the effect of exercise on the heart. It’s administered slowly through a vein in your arm to temporarily increase your heart rate, as exercise would.
The cardiac physiologist will take ultrasound images of your heart to see if the heart muscles receive enough blood and oxygen.
Why do I need a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?
What happens during a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?
Normal activities can be resumed after the test.
One of our Cardiologists will review the results and provide a full report back to your referring doctor, who will contact you for next steps.
How do I make an appointment with Advara HeartCare
If you have a referral from your GP, you can make an appointment for a Dobutamine Stress Echo with Advara HeartCare.
Advara HeartCare is Australia’s largest cardiology provider, with centres in or around most major metropolitan areas and select regional locations. Click below to find Dobutamine Stress Echo services near Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth or Adelaide today.
A Dobutamine Stress Echo assesses how your heart performs under stress.
How to prepare for a Dobutamine Stress Echo
Eat & Drink Normally
You may be asked to avoid caffeine for 24 hours before your appointment. Follow any instructions provided by your doctor or the clinic regarding eating, drinking, and your usual medications.
What to Wear
Wear comfortable clothing and a two-piece outfit, as you’ll need to undress to the waist for the ultrasound examination.
What to Bring
Bring your referral letter, Medicare card, a list of your current medications, and any previous cardiac test results if requested.
Appointment Duration
A Dobutamine Stress Echo appointment usually takes 45–60 minutes, including preparation, the ultrasound examination, medication administration, and recovery. You can usually return to your normal activities afterwards unless advised otherwise.
Frequently Asked Questions
Visit our FAQ section for answers to more common questions about Advara HeartCare, the heart tests we provide and how to access our services.
Is a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram safe?
This test is considered low risk, however it is safest if you arrange for someone to drive you home after the test.
Some potential risks and side effects include:
- nausea
- tiredness
- dizziness
- arrhythmia
- development of heart failure or heart pain
- very small risk of death.
Your referring doctor and the doctor performing the test are aware of these risks and will have taken them into account before deciding to recommend or perform the test. Please feel free to discuss these issues prior to undertaking the dobutamine stress echocardiogram.
How do I prepare for my test? What’s involved?
- Some medications can affect the accuracy of the test, so consult your doctor about whether you should stop taking them beforehand. Always speak to your doctor before stopping medication.
- Don’t take any over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine for 24 hours before the test.
What should I do on the day of the test?
- Do not consume food or any liquids other than water for 2 hours before the test.
- Eat only a light meal beforehand.
- Do not smoke or take any form of tobacco within 3 hours of the test.
- Bring a list of your current medications.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
- Do not apply talc or body lotion to your chest area or wear neck jewellery.
What happens immediately before the test?
- You will need to undress to the waist. Females will be provided with a gown for privacy.
- Men may require part of their chest to be shaved.
- Electrodes will be placed onto the chest and an ECG lead connected and worn on a belt around your waist.
- Sometimes a gown is worn over the electrodes
What happens during the test?
- An experienced doctor and cardiac physiologist and /or registered nurse will take care of you.
- Your blood pressure, pulse rate and electrocardiogram will be monitored continuously.
- The test will be stopped when the doctor feels it is appropriate.
What happens after the test?
- You will be monitored for 5 minutes after completing the test. During this time, you may receive some feedback from the supervising doctor.
- You will be asked to remain seated in reception for a further 10 minutes to ensure you are fully recovered before leaving the medical centre.
- A full report will be sent to your referring doctor after a cardiologist has fully reviewed the results.
What do the results of a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram mean?
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiograms are as accurate as an exercise stress test. They are used mainly to diagnose coronary artery disease. Normal results show that it’s unlikely you have any lesions in your coronary arteries that are obstructing blood flow. However, abnormal results may show that your heart isn’t pumping blood correctly because the blood vessels have a blockage or your heart has damage from a previous heart attack or cardiac issue.
Your doctor will explain the results in full to you.
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