Exams Performed in the Echocardiography (ECHO) Lab Echocardiography (Echo) Lab | Page 16

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is used to determine how the heart responds when
it is working the hardest. It uses a medication called dobutamine to stimulate the heart in
a way similar to exercise for patients who may not be able to exercise on a treadmill. The
test may also be used to evaluate heart valve function.
Why is a dobutamine stress echo performed?
The test is used to:
• Determine your likelihood of having significant coronary artery disease.
• Assess your heart valve function.
• Help you develop a safe exercise program.
• Assess the effectiveness of your cardiac treatment plan.
Can I eat or drink on the day of the test?
• Yes. However, DO NOT eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test.
• Avoid all products that contain caffeine for at least 24 hours before the test, as caffeine
may interfere with the results. Caffeine may be found in tea, coffee, carbonated soft
drinks, and chocolate. Please be aware that “decaffeinated” products may contain trace
amounts of caffeine.
• DO NOT SMOKE ON THE DAY OF THE TEST, as nicotine may interfere with the results.
• Any medication should only be taken with small sips of water.
Should I take my medications the day of the test?
DO NOT take any over-the-counter medication that contains caffeine, such as many diet
pills, NoDoz, and Excedrin, for 24 hours before the test. Ask your physician or health care
provider if you have questions about other medications that may contain caffeine.
DO NOT take the following heart medications on the day of your test unless your physician
tells you otherwise or if it is needed to treat chest discomfort the day of the test:
• Beta blockers [e.g., atenolol (Tenormin), carvedilol (Coreg), metoprolol (Lopressor,
Toprol), Propranolol (Inderal)]
• Calcium channel blockers [e.g., diltiazem (Cardizem, Cartia XT), verapamil (Calan,
Verelan)]
• Isosorbide dinitrate (Dilatrate, Isordil, Sorbitrate)
• Isosorbide mononitrate (Ismo, Imdur, Monoket)
• Nitroglycerin (Minitran, Nitropatches, Nitrostat)