Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram

 

An echocardiogram (echo) is a test used to assess the heart’s function and structures. A stress echocardiogram is a test done to assess how well the heart works under stress. The “stress” can be triggered by either exercise on a treadmill or a medicine called dobutamine.

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) may be used if you are unable to exercise. Dobutamine is put in a vein and causes the heart to beat faster. It mimics the effects of exercise on the heart.

During an echo, a transducer (like a microphone) sends out ultrasonic sound waves at a frequency too high to be heard. When the transducer is placed on the chest at certain locations and angles, the ultrasonic sound waves move through the skin and other body tissues to the heart tissues, where the waves bounce or “echo” off of the heart structures. The computer displays the echoes as images of the heart walls and valves

Types of echocardiograms

M-mode echo- It produces an image that is similar to a tracing rather than an actual picture of heart structures. M-mode echo is useful for measuring heart structures, such as the heart’s pumping chambers, the size of the heart itself, and the thickness of the heart walls.

Doppler echocardiogram — This technique is used to measure and assess the flow of blood through the heart’s chambers and valves. Also, Doppler can detect abnormal blood flow within the heart, which can mean there is a problem with one or more of the heart’s valves or with the heart’s walls.

Color Doppler- This technique is used to see the actual structures and motion of the heart structures.

A 2-D echo — view looks cone-shaped on the monitor, and the real-time motion of the heart’s structures can be seen. This allows the doctor to see the various heart structures at work and evaluate them.

3-D (three-dimensional) echocardiogram- 3-D echo technique captures 3-D views of the heart structures with greater depth than 2-D echo. The live or “real time” images allow for a more accurate assessment of heart function by using measurements taken while the heart is beating. 3-D echo shows enhanced views of the heart’s anatomy and can be used to determine best treatment plan.

Possible reasons for getting a dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) may include:

  • To assess the heart’s function and structures
  • To further assess the degree of known heart valve disease
  • To determine limits for safe exercise before you start a cardiac rehabilitation program or are recovering from a cardiac event, such as a heart attack (myocardial infarction, or MI) or heart surgery
  • To evaluate the cardiac status before heart surgery

Dr. Aritra Konar is a Consultant Interventional Cardiologist in Kolkata at Apollo Gleneagles Hospital, Kolkata. He has been deemed one of the best cardiologists in Kolkata for his expertise lies in Coronary (femoral & radial routes) angiography, Coronary angioplasty (including primary angioplasty), Peripheral angiography and angioplasty, Permanent pacemaker, ICD, CRT implantation, BMV, BPV, Right heart catheterization and so on, in procedural skills. His guidance is trusted and so are his skills.

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