Dobutamine Nuclear Stress Test
What is a ‘stress test’ and why is this called a stress test?
The resting heart muscle’s blood supply needs are usually well met even in the presence of blocked arteries. When the heart is stressed either by exercise or chemicals, the demand for blood increases. The blood flow through the blocked arteries- while adequate at rest- may not be able to keep up with the demands of a stressed heart. This can show up on the pictures of the heart taken after stress. This is the principle behind all the stress tests. The term ‘stress test’ is used for any means used to increase heart muscle’s demand for blood. This can be done by exercise or by chemical means.
What is Dobutamine nuclear scan?
It is similar to exercise nuclear stress test except for the fact that a medicine called Dobutamine is used to stress the heart. During this test, Dobutamine is infused at a gradually increasing rate to increase the heart rate to a desired level
How do I prepare for Dobutamine stress nuclear scan?
No special preparation is usually needed before this test. Ask your provider about any special instructions.
What are the side effects of Dobutamine?
Dobutamine increases heart rate. It can cause certain heart rhythm disturbances. This can cause feeling of palpitations. This can precipitate angina like any other stress test.
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