Dobutamine Stress Test

A Dobutamine Stress Test is a diagnostic procedure used to evaluate how well the heart responds to stress. It involves injecting dobutamine, a medication that stimulates the heart similar to exercise, increasing heart rate and workload. During the test, your heart's activity is monitored through ECGs and imaging, such as ultrasound or nuclear scans. This helps doctors identify areas with reduced blood flow or blocked arteries, aiding in diagnosing coronary artery disease or assessing heart function. It is useful for patients unable to perform physical exercise on a treadmill or stationary bike.