Enables doctors to diagnose and treat narrowed or blocked arteries.
Your doctor has recommended that you have a dobutamine cardiolite stress test to better evaluate the condition of your heart. Results from this procedure will help your doctor determine whether your coronary arteries have become narrowed or blocked as a result of coronary artery disease and to decide the best course of treatment for you.
How do I prepare for the test?
- Do NOT eat or drink anything except for water for 4 hours prior to your appointment.
- If you are diabetic, call the Heart and Wellness Institute for special instructions.
- Do NOT have any caffeine for 48 hours prior to your exam.
- NO regular or decaffeinated coffee or tea
- NO chocolate or cocoa in any form
- NO soft drinks
- NO cold medications
- NO medications with caffeine- call your pharmacist to check the caffeine content of your medication.
- Do NOT wear any lotion, perfume, or powder.
- Stop taking your beta blockers or calcium channel blockers the day before your test, unless otherwise instructed by your physician.
- Wear flat comfortable shoes which will remain firmly on your feet as you may be walking on the treadmill.
- If you are taking any medications, please bring them with you.
- Bring warm clothing and reading material if desired.
What will happen on the day of my test?
Electrodes connected to the electrocardiograph machine will be placed on your chest and the physician and technologist will use that to monitor your heart. Your blood pressure will also be monitored.Â
An intravenous line (IV) will be placed in your arm. Dobutamine and cardiolite will be given directly through the IV line. The dobutamine will be administered in increasing dosages until a desired heart rate is achieved (similar to how exercise increases your heart rate). Most patients just feel their hearts beating faster; however, if you experience any unusual sensations during the test, it is important to report them to the doctor.
