Dobutamine Stress Echocardiography

Discharge Instructions

Medications

You will most likely continue any medications you are currently taking. Some dosages may be adjusted. Your physician may prescribe additional heart medications if your results are abnormal.

Diet

You should be able to resume your normal diet following the procedure. If the results are abnormal, your physician may prescribe a low-fat, low-cholesterol diet and/or other dietary restrictions, such as a salt restriction.

Activity

If your results are normal, you will probably be allowed to resume normal activities (work, driving, daily living, etc.). If your results are abnormal, your physician may restrict your activities to some extent until a definitive diagnosis has been made and/or other diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures have been completed. Any activity restrictions will depend on your individual circumstances.

Sexual Activity

If your results are normal and your condition is otherwise stable, you will most likely be able to resume normal sexual activities. If your results are abnormal, your physician may want you to restrict sexual activities to some extent until a definitive diagnosis has been made and/or other diagnostic and/or therapeutic procedures have been completed. Any sexual activity restrictions will depend on your individual circumstances.

Bath Care

No special instructions.

Site Care

No special instructions. It is possible that a small amount of blood may ooze from the IV site for a few hours following the procedure. In this event, a small bandage may be used over the site. Any blood oozing should stop within a few hours after the IV has been discontinued. You may notice slight bruising or tenderness at the site, which should go away within two to three days. If you notice any swelling, increased soreness or tenderness, redness, red streaks radiating from the IV site, and/or a feeling of warmth or heat around the IV site, notify your physician, as this could indicate an infection.

Driving a Vehicle

See "Activity" section.

Returning to Work

See "Activity" section.

Office Visit

Depending on the results of the DSE, your physician may want you to schedule a visit within a certain period of time in order to discuss treatment options, additional testing/diagnostic options, and/or to follow up on your status.

Warning Signs/Symptoms to Monitor

You should report any chest pain or discomfort, shortness of breath, dizziness, or nausea to your physician. If these symptoms are severe and/or persistent, you should call 911. If you continue to feel tired or weak for more than a day after the procedure, call your physician immediately.

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