Stress Echo-Non-Exercise

A stress echocardiogram, non-exercise, combines a stress test and the echocardiogram but is used in people who are unable to exercise.  In lieu of exercise on a treadmill, the medication Dobutamine is administered, which simulates the treadmill exercise test by raising the heart rate.  During the test your heart is continuously monitored with an electrocardiogram (EKG) and a doctor can assess your heart function both at rest and while under stress. 

What will happen during the test?

The entire test will take approximately 1 1/2 hours.  You will be asked to remove your shirt or blouse and given a towel or gown to keep you comfortable and maintain privacy.  After lying on an examination table, the technologist will apply a colorless gel to your chest.  A transducer will be moved across your chest to record different views of your heart.

Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your EKG throughout the test, and a blood pressure cuff will be placed around your arm to monitor your blood pressure periodically during the test.  First, resting images of the heart will be obtained.    

Second, a small intravenous (IV) line will be placed in a superficial vein in your arm or hand.  A special pump will be used to infuse Dobutamine into your bloodstream for approximately 12 to 15 minutes.  The technologist will be capturing images of your heart throughout this infusion.  You may be asked to exhale and hold it for as long as you can during this part of the test.  The technologist will record and store both rest and stress images.  A nurse will be monitoring blood pressure, heart rate and EKG during entire procedure.

After completion of the infusion, we will continue to monitor you for a few minutes.

What is the preparation for the test?

Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for exercise. Please eat only a light meal before your test keeping in mind you feel as if you were exercising.

**If you are taking any of the following medications, they must be held for 2 days prior to the test unless otherwise specified by your physician:

**Failure to hold these medications will result in rescheduling of your procedure.  If you have any questions regarding your medications, please call for clarification.

What should I bring with me to the Stress Echocardiogram?

• Inhalers, if you use them
• Medications in original bottles
• Insurance card
• Referral for stress echo test if required by your insurance company
• Previous echocardiogram report if from outside facility

Once your appointment has been scheduled it is very important that you keep that appointment.  If you are unable to keep the appointment, please give the office at least 24 hours notice that you are canceling your test.  Our busy schedule requires tight scheduling restrictions, and it would be appreciated if you would notify our office if you will be late for your appointment.  Thank you for your cooperation.

Who will give me the test results?

After a review of the study, your medical history, and other imaging modalities and previous tests by an Upstate Cardiologist, a report will be sent to the ordering physician.  The ordering physician will then review the results and discuss them with you.

If your test was ordered by one of our Upstate Cardiologists, you will receive your results at your follow-up appointment.  If you do not have a follow-up appointment, you may call the office in 1 to 2 weeks for your results.  This allows your Cardiologist time to review the Echo results and call you or to instruct his nurse to contact you with results.