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Nuclear Medicine Cardiac Stress Test

A nuclear medicine stress test is an exam that shows how well your heart functions during physical activity. The exam can be used to measure the blood flow to the heart and to see any areas where the heart has been damaged (such as a heart attack). The test measures blood flow to the heart muscle – both at rest and stress. Images are taken when you are at rest and then again at stress.

The exam is also known as a myocardial perfusion stress or Lexiscan® stress test.

What to Bring

  • Your medical provider order (Your medical provider may have already sent this to us.)
  • Personal ID
  • Insurance card(s)
  • Medication list and dosages

How to Prepare

  • You should fast 4 hours before the test. Sips of water are permissible.
  • You must not have caffeine or decaffeinated products for 12 hours before the procedure.
  • Do not eat any chocolate for 12 hours before the procedure.
  • Do not take any No medications containing caffeine or Excedrin®.
  • You will receive a call from the cardiology nurse with instructions as to which medications to refrain from taking until after the stress test. You also may be instructed to hold your blood pressure medications if you are exercising on the treadmill.
  • If you have diabetes, please monitor your glucose level closely to keep it within normal limits.
  • You should dress comfortably.
  • Wear rubber-soled shoes or sneakers if you are walking on the treadmill.
  • Please inform the technologist if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.
  • If you wear an on-body device (insulin pump, insulin regulators, Neulasta, other chemo/insulin devices, etc.), you must inform your technologist.

What to Expect

  • You can expect to be at the hospital for a total of 3-4 hours.
  • The technologist will explain the test and answer any questions you might have.
  • To minimize the number of sticks you receive, the nuclear medicine technologist will start an IV.
  • For the “resting” portion of the test:
    • You will be given a small injection of the imaging agent that contains a small amount of radioactive material. There should be no side effects.
    • You will be placed in the lobby for approximately 45 minutes to allow the imaging agent to circulate appropriately.
    • Afterward, you will be placed on a cushioned table for approximately 12 minutes for your “resting” images.
    • The nuclear medicine technologist will take you to Cardiology for the next part of your test.
  • For the “stress” portion of the test:
    • While in Cardiology, a nurse will explain the stress portion to you and answer any questions you might have.
    • As you exercise on the treadmill, the nuclear medicine technologist will give you a second injection of the radioactive imaging agent. You should tell the Cardiology nurse if you feel any of the following symptoms: chest, arm or jaw discomfort, severe shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, leg cramps or unusual soreness.
    • If you are unable to walk on a treadmill and undergo a Lexiscan® stress test, the Cardiology nurse will give you a medication through your IV that simulates exercise, then the nuclear medicine technologist will administer the second injection of a radioactive imaging agent. You may experience tiredness, shortness of breath and sweating. These are normal responses. You should tell the Cardiology nurse if you feel any of the following symptoms: chest, arm or jaw discomfort, severe shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, dizziness, lightheadedness, leg cramps or unusual soreness.
    • The Cardiology nurse will observe you for approximately 10 minutes after the stress portion and then direct you back to the Radiology lobby. You will wait there 30-60 minutes for the imaging agent to circulate before having the final image taken.
    • The nuclear medicine technologist will bring you into the scan room, remove your IV and place you on the imaging table. The scan should only take 7-9 minutes.

After the Exam

  • You may eat or drink.
  • You may resume all medications as directed by your medical provider.
  • Your study will be reviewed by a cardiologist or a radiologist, and the results will be sent to your medical provider, who will then discuss these results with you.

Schedule an Appointment

Call North Oaks Scheduling at (985) 230-7777 between 7 am and 5:30 pm.

If you are a provider and need to send an order, please fax it to (985) 230-6781.

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