Safety of Stress Echocardiogram

[shortmat]

I have been scheduled for a Dobutamine Stress Echocardiogram. I have stage 3A CKD. Dobutamine, atropine & an "dye" (not named) are used in this test. Are these likely to be harmful at all ?

[Hidden]

That should be determined by your nephrologist. I had a stress echo in Oct of 2019 in preparation for surgery and my cardiologist consulted with my nephrologist and both okayed the medications and test and contacted the surgeon. I had the tests done with no adverse effects on my kidneys.Contrast dyes, as a rule, are not beneficial to your kidneys but there are medications available that will work well. Only your physicians who know you and your health situation can provide you with the answers you seek.

Best of luck.

[shortmat in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, but I don't have a nephrologist. In the UK you don't get to see a nephrologist until you need dialysis!

[Hidden in reply to shortmat]

I would do something on my own if I were in your place. If you take the wrong medication you may well get to see a nephrologist.Best of luck.

[shortmat in reply to Hidden]

Thank you.

[nellie237 in reply to shortmat]

Hi shortmat,

I think I would call them in advance and ask, just in case they have to be prepared. Good luck with the test.

[Julesrich in reply to shortmat]

Hi shortmat I am also in the UK and I have a nethrologist. I am stage 4 and hope not to be on dialysis for some time. I have recently had contrast dye for a CT scan not sure if it's the same thing they would use for your stress echo. I did have a blood test first and they checked my GFR. Good luck with your test

[shortmat in reply to Julesrich]

Thanks Julesrich, your comment is helpful, I will contact the hospital to query whether the dye is safe & also bring up the question of getting a blood test to check GFR. I have been told that the NHS is not interested in kidney disease until it becomes necessary to have dialysis. My GP would not even make a referral to a dietician when I requested ; I am finding it very difficult to find a low protein/low potassium/vegetarian/ weight loss eating plan, but I do my best to eat sensibly.

[Julesrich in reply to shortmat]

You can find info about how the dyes are on your kidneys on Google I do lots of research online also about diet. I do not have a dietician I just try to be aware of ingredients etc.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I had an echo and stress done in the process of getting an transplant so they knew my kidneys were fragile. Just make sure that everyone is on the same page before the test with the dyes, There are some that are ok.

[shortmat in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thank you, I will have to look up which dyes are harmful.

[LawH1512]

Hi shortmat I am also in the UK and I have a nephrologist. I am stage 5 and I'm due to start dialysis next month. I have had the contrast dye which did at the time have a impact on my kidney function reducing my EGFR, but was later improved with the help of the team putting me on fluids to flush my kidneys, then I followed that up by drinking more than the 1 litre of fluids I am restricted to drinking in my daily diet intake. Additionally, as part of my work-up for Kidney Transplant, I've had the Stress Echo, the dye used there had no effect at all on my Kidney. I would recommend you having a nephrologist, they have been a good support in helping to look after my kidneys even when I was at stage 4. All the best.

[shortmat in reply to LawH1512]

Thank you. I am going to write to the cardio echo team to make sure they are aware of my CKD.

[justwondering73]

I just asked this of my Kidney RN today. The stress tess drug is not a dye and does not have an adverse effect on the kidney. Of course, being in different countries its best to ask your own doctors but I believe the med you mentioned is the same as the one I'll be getting soon in my stress test. Good luck.