Exercise Cardiolite Stress Test
This particular kind of test, also known as a nuclear exercise stress test, allows your physician to see how well blood is flowing to your heart muscle. There are two parts to this test, a “rest” portion and a “stress” portion. During the “rest” portion, you will receive a small dose of nuclear tracer through an IV. This will absorb into your heart muscle in about 30 minutes and pictures will then be taken of your heart. During the “stress” portion of the test, you will be walking on a special treadmill. Your heart rate and rhythm will be continuously monitored throughout the test as the speed and elevation of the treadmill increases to make your heart work harder. Once a target heart rate is achieved, a second dose of nuclear tracer will be given at the IV site and you will have one last set of pictures taken. The reading physician will be able to compare the “rest” to the “stress” pictures and be able to see if there are any areas where blood flow to the heart muscle is decreased. This test is done in conjunction with Computerized Medical Imaging, Inc. (CMI).
How long will this test take?
The test will take about 4 hours.
How long will it be before I know my results?
We should have your results typically with in 1-2 days.
Are there any special instructions that I should know about?
Do not have any caffeine/caffeine products such as coffee, decaf coffee, pop, tea, chocolate, etc.) for 24 hours prior to your test. You may eat breakfast the morning of your test.
When the test is scheduled, medical center staff will let you know if you should or shouldn’t take your medications on the day of the test.