Department of Diagnostic Imaging
Location: Suite 016
Director: Kurt Meehan, R.T.
Appointments: 216-382-2853

General Description
What to Expect
How to Prepare
About the Department of Diagnostic Imaging
Registration Form
Notice of Privacy Practices and Patient Rights

General Description
The Echo Stress Test with Dobutamine uses ultrasound (sound waves) to evaluate the function of the heart when the heart is working its hardest. The test is performed to evaluate chest pain, shortness of breath or palpitations, or to evaluate the heart after angioplasty, heart attack or open heart surgery. In instances when a patient cannot use a treadmill, the drug, Dobutamine, is used to increase blood flow to the heart to mimic what the heart experiences during exercise.

What to Expect
The test will be performed while you're lying on a bed. An IV will be placed in your arm and Dobutamine will be administered. There also is the possibility that other medications will be administered, such as atropine (used to increase the heart rate) and metoprolol (used to decrease the heart rate). You will be continuously monitored by both ultrasonography and electrocardiography for wall motion abnormalities and electrocardiographic changes. Your doctor will receive a written report approximately 48 hours after the test.

How to Prepare

1. No smoking, alcoholic beverages or caffeine after 6 p.m. the night before the test. Many soft drinks, cocoa and chocolate beverages and foods, as well as cold remedies, diuretics, and pain relievers contain caffeine, so please be sure to read all labels.
2. Please check with your physician at least three days prior to the test regarding taking your routine medications.
3. Wear comfortable clothes as you will be lying down for approximately one hour.
4. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your appointment for IV placement and bring the requisition provided by your physician.

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