What is a dobutamine Cardiolite stress test?
The purpose of the stress test is to assess the blood flow to the heart muscle at peak stress and again at rest. A dobutamine Cardiolite stress test is used in people who are unable to exercise. In lieu of exercise on a treadmill, the medication dobutamine is given, which provides additional pumping strength by stimulating the heart muscle. The stress test is given over two separate days. On one day, you will receive an infusion of dobutamine and Cardiolite, which is referred to as the stress portion of the test, and on the other day, an infusion of Cardiolite only, which is referred to as the rest portion of the test.
Following are some frequently asked questions about the dobutamine Cardiolite stress test and how to prepare for it.