Dobutamine stress echocardiogram

[sunigirl]

Hi. I am due for this procedure on Tuesday 27thOct. I am scared because Dobutamine will make my heart beat faster and my pacemaker is set 130bpm highest. No Bisoprolol for 48 hours before test. I would appreciate info from anyone who knows/has had this procedure. Thanks

[Drounding]

I have had a stress test with Dobutamine but I don''t have a pacemaker. It's a strange feeling when they start adding the drug but it is in a controlled manner. They gradually add more until your heart rate is up to what they want to see. Obviously discuss with your cardiologist at the time if you have any concerns. The test doesn't take too long either so just try and relax and let them get on with it. I also had to stop my Bisoprolol beforehand.

[sunigirl in reply to Drounding]

Hello Drounding

Thank you for your reply.

I think hearing some one else's experience gives a bit more confidence.

Best Wishes Sunigirl

[cat55 in reply to sunigirl]

Hi, I have also had Dolbutamine stress test. I don't have a pacemaker though. As previous post says it is a weird feeling and I was apprehensive beforehand, however everything is so well controlled, lots of equipment around to ensure this. . Strangely they found it difficult to get my heart beat up to the rate they wanted. The staff were fantastic and put me at ease. Try not to worry they know what they are doing, but do ring up with your queries before you go. It will be fine. Best wishes Kath

[sunigirl in reply to cat55]

Hi Kath

Thank you so much for your reply. I will let you know how it went. I have a terror of my heart racing since I was given an anti-sickness injection after an operation and I had a bad reaction which caused a racing heart . This has really scared me and stayed in my mind.

Best wishes

Susan

[seasider18]

I had one prior to having my aortic valve replaced but I did not have AF at the time. As well as the drug I was pedalling away on a bike. I much prefer the bike to the treadmill. They have a doctor standing by during the test. I of course had a false positive result and had to have an angiogram at a later date.

[sunigirl]

Hi Seasider18

Thank you for taking time to reply. The doctor didn't mention a bike or treadmill, I think I have to lie still while the dolbutamine makes my heart rate increase and they carry out the echo.

Best Wishes Sunigirl

[Hidden]

My heart rate only went up to 111 as the sotolol I was taking prevented my heart from gling faster and that didnt seem to be a problem. Just prepare yourself mentally to feel bad when they do the injection, not everyone gets that reaction but many do and it is ok, doesnt last very long.

[Hidden]

Dolbutamine stress test was much more pleasant than one I had 2 yrs. ago with a different chemical. You are closely monitored throughout.

[sunigirl in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply which is encouraging.

Best Wishes

Susan