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Stress echocardiography

Dobutamine stress test
An exercise test in which a medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure is injected, allowing the doctor to simultaneously assess how the heart contracts.

Appointments

Functiemetingen 2

Preparation

You must fast

  • You may drink clear liquids, such as water, tea, or fruit juice without pulp, up to one hour beforehand.

  • Avoid other drinks and food from six hours beforehand.
  • However, you may take your usual medication with a little water unless instructed otherwise.

Condition

  • This test is performed if you are unable to undergo a bicycle stress test (exercise ECG).

Procedure

  • A medication that increases heart rate and blood pressure is administered through a vein in your arm.
  • This medication will make your heart beat faster and harder.
  • Using transthoracic echocardiography, the doctor assesses how your heart contracts.
  • The workload is gradually increased.

Throughout the test, your heart’s function is monitored with an electrocardiogram (ECG), and your blood pressure is measured regularly.

Risks and side effects

Stress echocardiography is a safe procedure.

Possible side effects or discomforts:

  • Feeling your heart beating more intensely
  • Tingling in the head
  • Dry mouth
  • Arrhythmias during the test

Severe complications, such as heart failure, life-threatening arrhythmias, or heart attack, are extremely rare.

Last edit: 25 january 2025