DSE Echo Cardio gram

[Tasha1980]

Hi everyone I have had a appointment to have this DSE Echo Cardiogram (Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram) has anyone had this done its next Wednesday so a bit nervous 😢 Xxx

[lupylupus]

Hi Tasha,

I can understand you being nervous but please dont be.

I used to work in cardiology before I retired, and I would like to explain that the test will be performed by well trained staff who will have done this procedure many times before.

They will put a needle in your arm and you will rest on a couch.

All that happens is that the injection that will then be given will simply speed up your heart rate just as though you were going for a nice brisk walk.

The good side is that you will be resting on a couch and not having to dash somewhere in a hurry, and you will be being monitored all the time by 3 experienced staff.

They will do an echocardiogram whilst your heart rate speeds up and before you know where you are it will be over and you will be having a cup of tea!

It's much easier than running on a treadmill!!

All the best

Margaret :o)

[johare in reply to lupylupus]

I have had this done and can't say more than this. Please don't worry.

[Tinky52 in reply to lupylupus]

I've had this done many times because of having heart problems....I'm on a Beta Blocker also, Atenolol Since 1977. The test is fast. I couldn't finish the test cause my heart was skipping beats so they stopped it. You will be fine!!

Good luck xx

[sarahsch]

Hi Tasha,

I've had this test and it was fine. They steadily increase the rate at which the drug is given & your heart rate rises. The Dr said to think of it as if I were climbing a flight of stairs. Each increase and I'm on the next flight. It feels a bit odd at first, & by the end I was sweating as if I had been working out, but I hadn't left the couch!

Only issue is that sometimes the drug can make you feel sick. They gave anti-sickness medication at the end & asked me to wait 20mins before going home, but I was still sick in the car. I see they are allowing you 1 to 2 hrs recovery which seems more sensible - but perhaps have sick bag in car just in case.

Sarah x