Prior to Test

Before the test is scheduled, let your doctor know if you have any medical conditions that may limit your ability to exercise. If you cannot exercise, your doctor may order a drug to mimic exercise. Let your doctor know if you have any of the following:

• Asthma or chronic lung disease
• Arthritis problems, especially with your hips or knees

For 24-48 hours before the test, do not eat or drink any foods or take any of the medications listed below:

• Beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee, tea, colas, or other soft drinks
• Foods containing caffeine, such as chocolate, including candies, frosting, pies, cakes, cookies, cocoa, or chocolate milk
• Over-the-counter pain relievers that contain caffeine, including aspirin
• Products that contain theophylline , such as Constant-T, Primatene, Quibron, Slo-Phylline, or Theo-Dur
• Dipyridamole

Your doctor may advise you stop taking medications before the procedure. Talk to your doctor before the test about any medications or herbal supplements you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you:

• Have a history of allergies
• Have diabetes
• Are pregnant or might be pregnant
• Are breastfeeding
• Have any prosthetic implants in your body

Additional steps may include:

• You may be asked to avoid eating or drinking for 4-8 hours before the test.
• Wear loose clothing and low-heeled shoes with rubber soles or tennis shoes.
• If you smoke, you should avoid smoking for 1-2 days before the test.

Description of Test

A blood pressure cuff is placed on one arm. An IV is inserted into a vein on your other arm. Small, round pads are placed on your chest. They will monitor your hearts electrical activity. Your blood pressure and heart rate are monitored before, during, and after you have exercised.

A small amount of radioactive material will be passed into the bloodstream through your IV. The radioactive tracers concentrate in the parts of the heart that have the best blood flow. A special camera will show the parts of the heart that are not getting enough blood. These images are taken while you are at rest and while you exercise.

Your heart may first be monitored while at rest.

The exercise or “stress” part of the test is usually done with a treadmill. You begin by slowly walking on the treadmill. The pace

will gradually

increase. As you exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure will change. At your peak exercise, the tracer is injected into the IV. You will continue exercising for another one or two minutes so images can be taken.

If you are unable to exercise for any reason, the doctor may use a drug that mimics the effect of exercise on the heart. If you notice any changes in the way you feel, or experience any side effects, notify the doctor who is monitoring the test.

About

15-30 minutes after exercise, you will lie down on a special table. More images will be taken of your heart.

If you have coronary artery disease, you may feel chest pain or angina during the test. You may give you medication for the symptoms and the test may be stopped early. Let the care center staff

know if you have any symptoms of jaw, neck, arm, or chest pain.

After Test

You will be able to leave after the test is done.

If

medication was given to increases the work of your heart, you may have anxiety, lightheadedness, nausea, shakiness, or shortness of breath. Let the care center staff know if you have any of these symptoms. There is a possibility that you may experience some effects from the medication for up to 24 hours after the test.

How Long Will It Take?

The entire test takes 3-5 hours. You may receive the entire test in one day, or you may have each part of the test on separate days.

Will It Hurt?

In general, this test should not be painful.

Results

The doctor will compare the images taken of

rest with the images taken during stress. If your heart is relatively healthy, there should be little or no difference between the images. If your heart has partially blocked arteries, images taken during stress will be different from those taken at rest.