Download NUCLEAR STRESS TESTING

NUCLEAR STRESS TESTING
Nuclear myocardial perfusion imaging is utilized in the diagnosis and management of
coronary artery disease. It helps doctors determine whether you have coronary artery
disease and how severe it is. It also helps doctors judge your risk of having a heart attack
and whether you need additional testing or treatment. This test will take approximately 3
hours to complete. You may want to bring reading materials with you because there will be
some waiting time between certain portions of the test. Please wear comfortable clothes
and shoes suitable for walking or running. Do not wear metal snaps or zippers on shirts and
ladies should avoid pantyhose if possible. We also ask that you do not apply any lotions or
oils to your arms, legs or chest.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT DURING YOUR TEST:
Please register at the front desk 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. The first
portion of your test requires the insertion of an IV and the administration of nuclear
medicine. There are no adverse or allergic reactions to the nuclear medicine. There will be
a 30 minute wait before your first set of pictures. Upon completion of the pictures, you will
then complete the stress portion of the test. This may include walking on a treadmill or
receiving a medication such as regadenosin (Lexiscan) or dobutamine. You may be asked to
do a light form of exercise in addition to the medication. After the stress test, there will be
approximately a 30 minute wait before the final pictures.
Please do not eat 3 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. You may continue to drink
water. The accuracy of the stress test can be affected by consuming caffeinated or
decaffeinated products up to 6 hours prior to the test. Therefore we ask that you refrain
from any caffeinated or decaffeinated beverages after midnight. Some common examples
include coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, Mountain Dew, Mello-Yello, Dr. Pepper, colas and
many “ energy drinks.” Even some waters now have added caffeine. Please check your
labels. Certain medications can also contain caffeine such as Anacin, Excedrin, No-Doz,
Cafergot, Fiorinal, and Wygraine. Please do not take these 24 hours prior to your test.
Continue taking your prescribed medications unless you are instructed otherwise by your
physician.
Please call our office if your weight exceeds 400 lbs so we can accommodate your needs. If
you are pregnant or breastfeeding, please notify your doctor as this test may not be
appropriate.
For patients weighing 300 lbs or more, the test will be performed over two separate days.
WHAT IF I CAN’T KEEP MY APPOINTMENT?
If you can’t keep your appointment, please notify our office at least 24 hours in advance.
There will be a $200 charge for appointments that are not cancelled within 24 hours.
Patient Signature: ____________________________________________ Date:
____________
Employee’s initials: ____________________
APPOINTMENT DATE AND TIME: _________