Information

This test is performed in hospital by your doctor and is another form of stress echocardiogram. Medication that stimulates the heart (dobutamine) is used to stress the heart in patients unable to exercise.

You will be lying on a bed. Sticky electrodes are attached to your chest for the ECG and a drip is inserted into a vein in your arm for the infusion of dobutamine.

Continuous ECG recordings and blood pressure recordings are taken throughout the procedure.

Ultrasound is performed after each increased dose of dobutamine.

Your doctor is present for the entire procedure. You may feel your heart beating forcefully during the procedure but if you experience any symptoms such as chest pain or dizziness you should inform the doctor.