if you are scheduled for a dobutamine stress echo and you have a pacemaker please contact your doctor for specific instructions. your device may need to be checked before the test. on the day of the stress echocardiogram do not eat or drink anything except water for four hours before the test. do not drink or eat caffeine products (cola chocolate coffee tea) for 24 hours before the test. caffeine will interfere with the results of your test. do not take any over-the-counter medications that contain caffeine for 24 hours before the test. ask your doctor pharmacist or nurse if you have questions about medications that may contain caffeine. do not take the following heart medications for 24 hours before your test unless your doctor tells you otherwise or unless the medication is needed to treat chest discomfort: beta-blockers (for example tenormin lopressor toprol or inderal) isosorbide dinitrate (for example isordil sorbitrate) isosorbide mononitrate (for example ismo indur monoket) nitroglycerin (for example deponit nitrostat nitropatches) your doctor may also ask you to stop taking other heart medications on the day of your test. if you have any questions about your medications ask your doctor. do not discontinue any medication without first talking with your doctor. if you use an inhaler for your breathing please bring it with you.
what should i do to prepare for a stress echo?