Real Time 3-Dimensional Stress Echocardiography

An echocardiogram is an ultrasound technique used to gather information about the heart. Standard echocardiograms create images of the heart in two dimensions, thereby named 2D (two-dimensional) echocardiography. A new technique has been developed allowing images to be taken of the heart in three dimensions (real time 3D echocardiography). The 3D echocardiogram uses high frequency sound waves to see and record the movement and function of the heart muscle. The echocardiogram is taken by placing an instrument called a transducer against the chest wall over the heart. In this study patients will undergo a dobutamine stress echocardiogram. Dobutamine is drug that causes the heart to beat stronger and faster, similar to how it acts when exercising. Dobutamine allows researchers to tell if the heart is suffering from a lack of oxygen during exercise or other forms of stress, or if it is permanently damaged. The purpose of this study is to determine whether stress 3D echocardiography is feasible and accurate in the detection of heart disease (coronary artery disease). Results of the 3D echocardiogram will be compared to results from standard 2D echocardiograms.