Download brief description and instructions

NUCLEAR IMAGING
What is a nuclear stress test?
The radionuclide stress test is a diagnostic exam used to take pictures of the heart with exercise and at rest. This helps to
determine if the heart muscle is getting the blood supply it needs, the pumping ability of the heart and the size and location of
a previous heart attack. The exam requires small doses of radioactive material through an IV (intravenous line); the amount of
radiation you will be exposed to is comparable to that from an X-ray. Live Oak Cardiology no longer performs these studies in
house. Patients are referred for testing to Austin Heart in South Austin or Seton Medical Center Hays for patient
convenience.
What should I expect?
Once you arrive, the nuclear medicine assistant will take a brief medical history on you as well as go over your medications. The
test will be explained to you; any questions you may have will be answered. You will then be asked to sign a consent form giving
permission to perform the test. An IV will be started on your arm or hand. A radioisotope will be administered through the IV
and a special camera will take picture of your heart. These are the resting pictures of your exam.
The next portion of the test is the stress test. If you exercise, you will be walking on a treadmill. A non-exercise version is also
available for patients with certain limitations. Several pads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart rhythm with an
electrocardiogram machine during the exercise phase of this test. During exercise, the treadmill will move slowly and gradually
increase in speed and incline. If you are taking the non-exercise version of this test, a one minute infusion of a chemical that
increases blood flow will be used. Once this portion of the test is completed, a second set of pictures of your heart will be
taken. These are the stress pictures of your exam. This will complete the procedure.
How long does it take?
Allow at least 4 hours for a one day exam and 2 hours each day for a 2 day exam. Patient weight will determine if test is a one
day or two day exam.
What should I eat?
Nothing after midnight if you are scheduled before 9:00am; your may have a light breakfast if you are scheduled after 11:30
am but no caffeine, caffeine containing foods or drinks. You may drink water before your arrival no matter what time you are
scheduled. You should also bring a snack to eat after the first half of the test.
DO NOT drink anything with caffeine for 24 hours prior to testing. This includes coffee, tea, soda, chocolate and even
“decaffeinated” products.
What medications should I take?
You may take all your medications EXCEPT 24 hours prior to testing DO NOT TAKE:
1) Beta-blockers (Metoprolol, Toprol XL, Atenolol, Coreg, Carveidolol, Sotalol, Lopressor, Acebutolol, Labetolol Bisoprolol,
Propanolol).
2) Some Calcium Channel Blockers: (Verapamil, Calan, Diltiazem, Cardizem, Cartia, Tiazac),
3) Diabetes Medications: hold on the morning of the test; take ½ dose of insulin or medications the night before. Bring
them with you. Click here for more complete instructions.
4) Aggrenox, aminophylline, dipyridamole, theophylline.
Click here for a more complete list of beta-blockers, calcium channel blockers and diabetes medications
What should I wear?
Loose, comfortable fitting clothing and sneakers. Work-out pants are best. Do not wear shirts or blouses with metal
buttons or zippers. Do not wear a necklace.