About Nuclear Stress Testing
This test combines a stress test with nuclear medicine imaging for a more complete assessment of the presence of coronary artery disease. The stress test can either be with exercise on a treadmill or simulated with pharmacologic intervention using a drug called dipyridamole. The exercise stress test involves increasing workload on a treadmill until a target heart rate is achieved. Once reached, a radiopharmaceutical is injected for nuclear medicine imaging. The pharmacologic stress exam involves injection of dipyridamole over 4 minutes followed by the injection of the radiopharmaceutical.
What To Expect
When combined with a nuclear medicine rest test, the exam occurs over two days. The first day is either rest or stress imaging. On the rest day, you will report to the Nuclear Medicine department for injection of radiopharmaceutical followed by imaging about 1-2 hours afterward. On the stress day, you will report to the cardiac stress lab for the stress portion of the exam and the nuclear medicine department 2-3 hours later for imaging.
If you receive dipyridamole, you may feel short of breath or develop a mild headache. This is easily and quickly reversed with an antidote called Aminophylline in the cardiac lab.
Preparation
DO NOT EAT or DRINK for four hours prior to test. NO caffeine containing foods or beverages (includes coffee, tea, pop, chocolate and medication with caffeine such as Tylenol #3 or Excedrin) for 24 hours prior to test. Wear comfortable clothing and clean footwear for walking on treadmill, preferably a short sleeved shirt with buttons or large T-shirt. Write down your current medication and bring the list with you.