The dobutamine stress test is a diagnostic procedure used to assess heart function, especially the left ventricle’s performance. It is primarily conducted for two main reasons-
- Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease (CAD): This test helps identify and evaluate the severity of coronary artery disease, which is crucial for understanding blood flow to the heart during stress.
- Assessment of Heart Muscle Function: It is a valuable tool to assess the function of the heart’s left ventricle, detecting issues such as cardiomyopathy or valve problems.
How it Works ?
- Dobutamine, a medication that simulates the effects of exercise on the heart, is administered intravenously.
- Simultaneously, an echocardiogram creates images of the heart’s response to dobutamine, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate its function, blood flow, and detect abnormalities.
