NCIt definition : The hydrochloride salt form of arbutamine, a synthetic catecholamine with positive
chronotropic and inotropic properties, used in echocardiography and diagnostic coronary
angiography. Arbutamine binds to and activates beta-1 adrenergic receptors in the
myocardium, thereby increasing heart rate and increasing force of myocardial contraction.
By exerting a chronotropic and inotropic effect, arbutamine mimics the cardiac stress
caused by exercise that may prevent adequate tissue perfusion and oxygenation, and
may provoke myocardial ischemia in patients with coronary artery disease.;