Echocardiography

During an echocardiogram, a small device called a transducer is held against the chest. The transducer sends ultrasound waves that reflect (echo) off the various parts of the heart. The echoes are converted into moving images of the heart. These images are displayed on a television screen and are digitally recorded.

An echocardiogram is first done while your heart is “resting.”  You will then be asked to pedal a stationary bicycle and another echocardiogram will be performed at peak exercise stress.  Normally, all areas of the heart muscle pump more vigorously during stress. If an area of the heart does not pump as it should during exercise, this can indicate that it is not receiving enough blood because of a blocked or narrowed artery.

Preparing for the test

• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the test. This will help prevent the possibility of nausea, which may accompany exercise.
• If you are currently taking heart medications (especially beta blockers), check with your doctor. He or she may ask you to stop them a day or two before the test. This can help get more accurate test results.
• Before the test, you’ll be given an explanation of the test and you’ll be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions about the procedure.
• Several electrodes (small sticky patches) will be placed on your chest to obtain ECG (electrocardiogram), a recording of your heart’s electrical activity.

Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

If you are unable to exercise, your doctor may order another type of stress called a dobutamine stress echocardiogram.  Following a resting echocardiogram, dobutamine is then infused (injected slowly) into a vein in your arm. This drug causes your heart to pump faster and harder, simulating exercise. Additional echo images are then obtained during and after the infusion of dobutamine. Doctors then compare the images.  The dobutamine stress echo shows doctors which areas of the heart muscle do not receive an adequate blood supply.

Preparing for the test

• Do not eat or drink 4 hours prior to the test. This will help prevent the possibility of nausea, which may accompany the infusion of dobutamine.
• If you are currently taking heart medications (especially beta blockers), check with your doctor. He or she may ask you to stop them a day or two before the test. This can help get more accurate test results.
• Before the test, you’ll be given an explanation of the test and you’ll be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions about the procedure.
• An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your arm, to allow injection of dobutamine.
• Several electrodes (small sticky patches) will be placed on your chest to obtain ECG (electrocardiogram), a recording of your heart’s electrical activity.