What happens after a dobutamine stress echocardiogram?

A dobutamine stress echocardiogram is a diagnostic procedure that may be used when a physician wants to assess the heart muscle under stress. A physician may use an intravenous medication called dobutamine, which causes the heart to beat faster and will mimic the effects of exercise on the heart.

After the procedure, you may resume your usual diet and activities unless your physician advises you differently.

Generally, there is no special type of care following a dobutamine stress echocardiogram. However, your physician may give you additional or alternate instructions after the procedure, depending on your particular situation.