Please call 24 hours in advance if there is a need to cancel your test.
The Nuclear Perfusion Exercise Stress Test is a diagnostic exam used to determine if the heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs.
- Do not eat or drink anything four hours before the test.
- Do not smoke six hours before the test.
- Insulin-dependent diabetics may take half (1/2) of the morning insulin dose with juice and toast/bagel.
- Do not take any of your medications the morning of your appointment unless directed otherwise by your physician. (*see below)
- Bring all of your medications with you.
- Wear comfortable clothes and exercise shoes. A sweater is suggested for the waiting room.
- No caffeine or decaf products such as chocolate can be taken for 24 hours prior to having your test. If you are taking over-the-counter medications such as cold tablets or pain relievers, make sure that caffeine is not an ingredient.
- Bring a snack. You will be asked to eat after the stress portion of the test.
- This test involves a lot of waiting. You may want to bring a book, paper, magazine, etc.
We will obtain a brief history emphasizing current symptoms and pertinent family history. An IV line is inserted into your arm and electrodes are attached to your chest. The first dose of imaging agent is injected through the IV. Resting images are obtained at least 60 minutes later while you lie on a table with the nuclear camera moving around your chest. A stress test is performed on a treadmill with an EKG monitored by a physician. A second set of images is obtained at least 20 minutes after the treadmill test.
The test takes approximately four to six hours.
*Xanthene derivatives such as Theophylline, Theo-dur, or Theo-24 must be held three days.
**Persantine (dipyridamole) must be held three days.