DSE

Dobtuamine Stress Echo (DSE)

What is DSE?

A stress test generally is done while patients walk on a treadmill. For patients who are unable to exercise adequately, Dobutamine, a drug that mimics the effect of exercise on the heart, is injected in place of exercise.

DSE is a diagnostic test used to evaluate blood flow to the heart. During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. A special camera, called a gamma camera, detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce computer images of the heart.

Combined with a medication, the test can help determine if there is adequate blood flow to the heart during activity versus at rest.

Procedure

  1. You will be asked to remove all clothing above the waist and be given a hospital gown. You will be attached to a heart monitor, an EKG machine, a blood pressure monitor and a pulse oximeter.  The readings from all these equipments will be monitored throughout the test. An IV (intravenous) line is inserted into your arm for administration of Dobutamine or fluids you may receive during the test.
  2. An echocardiogram is performed while your heart is in a “resting” state. After this, Dobutamine is injected; the dose is increased every few minutes. Additional echocardiograms are performed to assess how your heart moves when it is “stressed”. You may be asked to change positions, breath slowly, hold your breath, or blow out all the air out of your lungs during the test to obtain better images.
  3. During the test, it is important to inform the doctor or nurse of any symptoms that may develop such as chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea, etc.
  4. When your heart rate reaches a certain level, the injection of Dobutamine is stopped. Immediately following is another echocardiogram while your heart is beating fast. And then your heart is allowed to recover. The entire procedure may take about 1-2 hours.

Preparations

  1. Do not eat, drink or smoke four hours prior to your scheduled test. If your schedule is in the morning, do not eat after midnight the night before the test.
  2. If you have Diabetes, juice is allowed in the morning with ½ does of your insulin. If you are taking medications that regulate your blood sugar, do not take them until after the test is completed.
  3. Unless instructed otherwise by your doctor, stop taking all medications 24 hours prior to the test:
  • Beta-blockers (atenolol, metoprolol, propanolol, etc)
  • Calcium-channel blockers (diltiazem, felodipine, nifedipine, amlodipine, verapamil, nicardipine, etc)
  • Nitrates (nitroglycerin, nitro-bid, isordil, ismo, etc)(This list may be partial, please check with your doctor)

4.  Arrange for someone to drive you home after the test, as you may find that you would prefer not to drive yourself.

5.  Do not apply lotions, oils or powder on the chest area.

6.  Wear comfortable clothing. It is best not to wear jewelry or valuables.

IMPORTANT

Do not discontinue any medication without talking to your doctor first.

 

Please do not hesitate to call our office if you have nay questions or concerns.

 

 

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