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Dobutamine Echocardiogram
What is a Dobutamine
Echocardiogram?
An Echocardiogram is a sound wave
test of your heart that shows the heart muscle moving as it pumps blood.
Dobutamine is a drug which makes your heart work harder. A Dobutamine
Echocardiogram is a test to study how your heart handles hard work.
How is the test done?
This test is a type of stress test.
Usually, stress tests are done by having you exercise on a treadmill or
bicycle to make your heart work harder. Instead of having you exercise, we
make your heart work harder by giving you a drug called Dobutamine while you
take the test. It will be given to you into your vein. This drug is like the
natural chemical in your body that causes your heart to work harder.
What happens during the test?
Dobutamine is given to you slowly and
you are closely watched. When the drug is stopped, it quickly leaves your
body. Dobutamine does not by itelf cause damage to your heart. However,
because it causes your heart to work harder, Dobutamine can cause chest
pain, shortness of breath, or pounding heart beats. Dobutamine can also make
your face hot and red, and you may feel dizzy. These symptoms go away
shortly after the drug is stopped.
How is the doctor able to see
my heart work?
Before we begin giving Dobutamine,
the doctor will study your EKG (heart
rhythm), and your Echocardiogram. Your
heart rate and blood pressure are also checked. As the drug is given to you,
your heart rate, EKG, Echocardiogram and blood pressure are taken every
three minutes. The doctor can tell how well your heart is working by looking
at the tests. The doctor will also ask you it you are having any symptoms,
like chest pain or dizziness. It is normal to feel your heart beating harder
and faster. You may also feel like taking deeper breaths because we are
making your heart work harder.
How long will the test take?
The test can take 30 to 45 minutes.
What do I need to do before
and after the test?
Do not eat or drink for three hours
before your test. Take your medicine as you normally would unless your
doctor asks you not to. You may sip a small amount of water to take your
medicine. If you are a diabetic, tell the doctor before you start the test.
When the test is finished, the doctor and nurse will watch you about ten
minutes as your heart rate returns to normal. Results of your test will be
put in your chart and your doctor will explain them at your next visit.
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Medical Center Hospital. All rights reserved.
Medical Center Hospital
•
500 W. 4th, Odessa, Texas
79761
• (432) 640-4000