Pharmacological stress echocardiography

Pharmacological stress echocardiography, a pinnacle in cardiac diagnostics!

Why opt for pharmacological stress echocardiography?

This test is particularly suitable for patients who, due to reduced physical mobility or advanced age, cannot undergo traditional exercise stress tests with a bicycle or treadmill and in cases where:

• Coronary artery disease is suspected
• Further evaluation of valvular heart disease, such as aortic stenosis, is needed
• Assessment of cardiac muscle vitality in patients with reduced cardiac function is required, or to determine if revascularization intervention through bypass or angioplasty may be beneficial.

How is the examination conducted at Clinica Arsbiomedica?

After gathering medical history, the patient lies on the examination table, where continuous monitoring of blood pressure, electrocardiogram, and echocardiogram takes place during the administration of a medication (usually dobutamine) that mimics the effect of physical exertion. During medication administration, symptoms such as chest pain or changes in electrocardiogram or wall contractility (evaluated via echocardiogram) may occur, indicating distress of the cardiac muscle, as seen in coronary artery disease. In such cases, the specialist may recommend further diagnostic and therapeutic measures.

How to prepare for pharmacological stress echocardiography:

Before the examination, the patient must:

• Fast for 4 hours
• Refrain from smoking and caffeine intake for 12 hours
• Discontinue, as per the physician’s instructions, certain categories of medications (especially beta-blockers, which can interfere with the proper functioning of the stimulant used and alter the test results).

Additionally, the patient is required to bring relevant clinical documentation (particularly recent electrocardiogram and/or echocardiogram) and current medication information.