The dobutamine stress echocardiogram (DSE) is a nonsurgical procedure used to assess the functions of the heart’s vessels, muscles and valves. If a patient’s physical condition does not allow exercise on the treadmill, the doctor will evaluate the heart under stress by injecting dobutamine mixed with saline to stimulate the heart to beat faster, mimicking the effect of exercise on the heart. An echocardiogram using dobutamine is highly beneficial in detecting blockages of the blood vessels to the heart.