Stress Echocardiogram

A stress echocardiogram is used to most commonly to indirectly evaluate for blockage in the heart arteries. This evaluation is performed by assessing the heart responds to stress either with exercise or a chemical to induce a stress. The test looks for areas that don't perform as well as others during stress, which may indicate one or more blockages. The echocardiogram is obtained both before and just after the exercise (or chemical) portion of the stress test. During a stress echocardiogram, you will be asked to convey to the doctor or nurse when you feel unusual sensations in your chest, arms, neck or jaw, light-headed or dizziness, heart palpitations (the feeling that your heart is beating too fast) or shortness of breath.

Dobutamine Echocardiogram

When you cannot exercise, your doctor may order a chemical stress test called a dobutamine echocardiogram. Dobutamine will act to speed up the heart and make it work harder, similar to that which happens with exercise. Dobutamine is given through a vein in your arm. This procedure may take about one hour. During a dobutamine echocardiogram, you will be asked to convey to the doctor or nurse when you feel unusual sensations in your chest, arms, neck or jaw, light-headed or dizziness, heart palpitations (the feeling that your heart is beating too fast) or shortness of breath.