Dobutamine Nuclear Stress Test

A dobutamine nuclear stress test is usually performed in patients who need a stress test but are unable to walk quickly on a treadmill and also have significant lung disease. This test uses a small dose of a radioactive solution to track blood flow to the heart muscle, both at rest and with stress, and to evaluate heart function. Instead of exercise, the drug dobutamine is injected intravenously for the stress portion of the test. Dobutamine has a similar effect on your heart as that of exercise, namely by increasing the rate and strength of its pumping action.

This test can provide your doctor with indirect information regarding whether or not you have significant blockages in your heart arteries. The test also includes an assessment of the pumping function of your heart.

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