This test incorporates ultrasound images into a stress test. We take a set of resting images of your heart. Then we have you walk on the treadmill and when your heart rate reaches its peak at stress, we stop the treadmill and take another set of images. We then compare the two sets of images to see how well the heart squeezes. This gives us an idea if there is a potential for your heart to have blockages in the coronary arteries.

Steps for the procedure:

1. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes to walk on the treadmill i.e. tennis shoes.
2. Withhold Beta blockers, i.e. Toprol XL for 48 hours.
3. You can have a light breakfast or lunch 2 hours before procedure.
4. If this is a Dobutamine stress echo, do not eat before the procedure, unless you are a diabetic; then follow your normal diabetic diet.

Education about the procedure:

This is a noninvasive test. It takes approximately an hour to perform.

Questions I may have about the procedure:

1. Why do I need to have this procedure?
To rule out the possibility of coronary artery disease.

2. When and how will I find out about my results?
The doctor will give you the results immediately after the test.