Stress Echocardiogram
Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram
Stress Treadmill

Stress Echocardiogram:

Description:

This procedure will evaluate your heart rhythm, the function of the heart valves and the possibility of blocked or narrowed coronary (heart) arteries. We will do this by evaluating your electrocardiogram (a heart tracing) and an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) before, during and after you exercise on a treadmill.

Preparation:

• Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
• Wear two piece clothing.
• Do not eat, smoke, drink alcohol for 4 hours prior to the test.

Procedure:

Electrodes will be placed on your chest and EKG's will be obtained with you standing, hyperventilating and at rest. An ultrasound of your heart will be done at rest. The cardiologist will review the results prior to the exercise portion. You will then walk on a treadmill that will gradually increase in speed and incline. Inform the staff during the test of increasing fatigue, chest pain or other symptoms. When you have achieved your best effort, the treadmill will shut down and you will be assisted quickly back to the bed and the echocardiogram pictures will be repeated.

After the Test:

The doctor will then compare your echocardiogram pictures and your EKG tracings and give you a verbal result. A written copy will be sent to your family physician.

It is okay to eat and drink immediately after the test. Resume normal activities except no strenuous activities for 24 hours.

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Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram:

Description:

This procedure will evaluate your heart rhythm, the function of the heart valves and the possibility of blocked or narrowed coronary (heart) arteries. We will do this by evaluating your electrocardiogram (a heart tracing) and an echocardiogram (an ultrasound of the heart) before, during and after an IV infusion of the medication DobutamineÒ. This medication will make your heart beat faster, as if you were exercising.

Preparation:

Wear a comfortable two piece outfit.
Do not eat, smoke, drink alcohol for 4 hours prior to the test.
Sips of water are okay.
Bring another person with you to drive you home.

Procedure:

Electrodes will be placed on your chest and EKG's will be obtained with you standing, hyperventilating and laying down. An intravenous catheter (IV) will be placed in your arm. The ultrasound pictures of your heart will be done. The doctor will then be in to read your EKG and echocardiogram and then begin the medication portion.

The medication will increase your heart rate and make the heart pump harder. Echocardiogram pictures will be taken during the test and when the heart rate is at the "peak". After the medication is shut off, the effects wear off in a few minutes.

You may experience some chest heaviness, heart pounding sensations, shakiness and slight dizziness. If you have chest pain during the test, please inform the staff.

After the Test:

At the end of the test the doctor will compare your echocardiogram pictures and your EKG tracings and give you a verbal result. A written copy will be sent to your family physician. Although the medication wears off quickly, you may feel slightly shaky and weak for a short while after this test. It is best if you bring someone with you to drive you home.

You will be free to eat or drink immediately after the test. It is okay to resume your normal activities except no strenuous activities for 24 hours.

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Stress Treadmill:

Description:

This procedure will evaluate your heart rhythm and the possibility of blocked or narrowed coronary (heart) arteries. We will do this by evaluating your electrocardiogram (a heart tracing) before, during and after you exercise on a treadmill.

Procedure:

Electrodes will be placed on your chest and EKG's will be obtained with you standing, hyperventilating and at rest. he cardiologist will review the results prior to the exercise portion. You will then walk on a treadmill that will gradually increase in speed and incline. Inform the staff during the test of increasing fatigue, chest pain or other symptoms. When you have achieved your best effort, the treadmill will slow down and you will be assisted quickly back to the bed to recover.

Preparation:

You must have the ability to walk on a treadmill.
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes.
Wear two piece clothing.
Do not eat, smoke, drink alcohol for 4 hours prior to the test.

After the Test:

The doctor will be able to compare your EKG tracings and give you a verbal result. A written copy will be sent to your family physician.

You will be free to eat or drink immediately after the test. It is okay to resume your normal activities except no strenuous activities for 24 hours.

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