[Dmom3005]

I have one next week. I kind of flunked a stress echo today.

For the oxygen levels.

Donna

[bizi]

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

What is a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram (Echo)?

• A Dobutamine Stress Echo is a non-invasive test used to evaluate coronary artery disease in patients who are unable to exercise on a treadmill.
• Dobutamine is a medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure similar to the effect of exercise.
• The rise in heart rate increases the oxygen demand of the heart and helps to determine if the heart muscle is getting enough blood and oxygen.
• The test includes an echocardiogram done at rest and again at peak heart rate. This procedure uses sound waves (ultrasound) to produce an image of the internal structures of the heart.
• In order to produce an image of the heart muscle, gel is applied to the patient's chest area and a transducer (a wand-like apparatus) is moved over the chest.
• Electrodes are placed on the chest to record an electrocardiogram (EKG) which monitors the heart's rate and rhythm.
• An IV line will be started and Dobutamine will be administered by a nurse.
• The cardiologist will observe for any symptoms, irregular heart rhythms, an inappropriate heart rate or blood pressure responses.
• The test takes about an hour.
• This test must be ordered by a doctor.

Why is a Dobutamine Stress Echo Done?

• This test will help the doctor evaluate the patient's cardiac condition related to the following:
  • How well the heart muscle and valves are working and how they function under stress.
  • The size of the heart's pumping chambers (ventricles).
  • Abnormal heart function: coronary artery disease and/or inadequate coronary blood supply.

What Preparation is Needed?

• Nothing to eat or drink except water four hours prior to test
• Do not smoke at least 4 hours prior to test.
• It is important for the patient to ask his doctor:
  • how to adjust his insulin and food intake prior to the test if he is a diabetic
  • if he should take his regular medications the morning of the test.
  • if he is on a Beta Blocker, can he STOP taking this medication 72 hours before the test as this is recommended for best results
• Do not apply lotions, oils or powders to the chest area.
• Wear comfortable clothing (shorts or pants with shirt or blouse) and walking or jogging shoes.

Registration:

• Pre-register 1-3 days prior to the day the test is scheduled. This will save considerable time on the day of test. Please call (310)517-4754 to pre-register.
• Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled time of the test.
• Enter the hospital through the main lobby.
• Go directly to the Cardiology Department which is located in the basement.
• Take the Silver elevators to the left of the lobby to the basement.
• If not pre-registered, plan to arrive an hour before the scheduled time of the test and first check in at the information desk in the main lobby in order to register.

[bizi]

Hi Donna,
sounds scarey doesn't it?
sorry taht you havce to have more testing...I hate that.
There is a simple scan of the heart called a calcium heart screen. It is like a cat scan of the heart that helps to identify any blockages of the heart.
It took 5 minutes and was only $100. Insurance won't cover it but well worth the time...hardly any!
ask your doctor about having this done before your test...
bizi

[Mari]

A friend of mine had something that sounds like this.
It was no big deal for her. And the dr got good info to help her.

Mari

[Nikko]

I had never heard of it, until I read this post sounds like your DR is being very thorough. That's a good thing.

I hope the test results are good. My mom has had tests somewhat like this by a tech and then the Dr. reads them and she gets her results right away, that's the way the appointment are set up. It beats waiting for the test results. If you can have it done in his office.

When are you having it done?

You said your oxygen levels? Do you smoke?

Hang in there, Hugs, Nikko

[Dmom3005]

I don't smoke and this one is set up at the hospital.

It will take 21/2 to 3 hours, and its next Thursday.

My cardiologist will be there.

Donna

[bizi]

I am sorry that you flunked the stress test...that must have been felt awful....
Do you like your cardiologist?
Had you ever heard of the calcium heart screen before?
bizi

[Dmom3005]

Yes I like my cardiologist. No I've never heard of a calcium stress test.
Was that its name.

I also am having lots of issues with my asthma right now.

I have been using my rescue inhaler every 3 or 4 hours the last few days
all the time. I'm really not very happy. I did find out I can wait till next
week to get my maintenance allergy shots.

That was good news. I've got a 8:30am appointment in the morning to
be seen by the asthma office. I'm really relieved. I was getting really
worried, its been a long time since I've used my inhaler this much.

Donna