Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography (DSE) Cardiology What is Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography? Dobutamine stress echocardiography (DSE) involves the use of medication to stress the heart, simulating an exercise environment. It allows the cardiologist to study the response of the heart to stress. The medication, Dobutamine, is infused through a vein in increasing rates to stimulate the heart to beat faster. Ultrasound images are then obtained to study how the heart functions under stress. What is the purpose of this test? It is used to determine if there is adequate blood supply to meet increasing oxygen demands of the heart muscle when the heart beats faster. Blood supply may be reduced due to coronary artery narrowing.
Preparation before the test 1. Avoid heavy meals 2 hours before the test. 2. Medications that slows down the heart rate (e.g. atenolol, carvedilol or bisoprolol) should be omitted 1 to 2 days prior to the test. Please check with your doctor. 3. Please reschedule the test if you feel unwell e.g. flu, fever, running nose How is the test done? A small needle will be inserted into your vein for infusion of Dobutamine. ECG electrodes will be placed on your chest and blood pressure cuff on your arm for monitoring throughout the test. An ultrasound scan will be performed before, during and after the infusion of Dobutamine. You may experience your heart beating harder and faster.