Download Patient Education Materials

Patient Education Sheet: Stress Test
Information on Exercise Nuclear Stress Test
Coronary heart disease, or CHD, is the accumulation of plaque in a coronary artery sufficient to obstruct blood
flow. A nuclear stress test is one way that a physician diagnoses CHD. A small dose of a radioactive isotope is
injected into the bloodstream. The isotope, or tracer, is carried through the bloodstream and into the heart
muscle. A special camera senses the radioactivity of the tracer and constructs an image of the heart, shortly
after exercise and at rest. Parts of the heart muscle that receive larger amounts of tracer appear brighter than
areas that have reduced blood flow.
The results of a nuclear stress test typically fall into three broad categories:
· Normal
· blood flow defects during exercise, but not at rest
· blood flow defects during exercise and rest
What To Expect Before the Test
You will be instructed to avoid eating and drinking for 4-6 hours before the test or as instructed by your
physician. You may be instructed to discontinue certain medications. If you are taking theophylline or
theophylline containing products such as Theo-Dur, Primatene, Constant-T, Bronkodyl or Quibron, check with
your physician about stopping these medications for 72 hours prior to your test. If you are diabetic, ask
about any further dietary or medication instructions. You can not consume caffeine or caffeine products
including decaffeinated or caffeine free products, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, medications
containing caffeine such as Anacin and Excedrin, colas or soft drinks for 24 hours prior to the test. If
you have consumed caffeine or any of the products listed within 24 hours of your test, please contact your
physician's office to reschedule your test. You should wear comfortable clothing, slacks and walking shoes to
exercise. Please do not wear pantyhose. Pregnant women should check with their physician before engaging in
a nuclear stress test.
What To Expect During the Test
You will be asked to sign a consent form prior to the test. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted in your hand
or arm for use during the test. Electrocardiographic (EKG) patches will be placed on your chest which will be
used to monitor your heart during the test. Prior to exercise, a baseline resting EKG will be obtained. You will
begin walking slowly on the treadmill. The speed and incline of the treadmill will increase every 3 minutes to
raise your heart rate. Reaching a target heart rate will provide your physician with a quality test. The exercise
portion typically lasts 5-15 minutes. When your target heart rate has nearly been reached, an isotope will be
injected through the IV line. You will be asked to exercise for about 1 minute longer to allow the isotope to
circulate through the heart. You will be asked to lie on a table underneath a camera that rotates and senses the
radiation being emitted by the isotope. The camera will record images for 30-45 minutes. A second set of
pictures will be recorded in a couple of hours. The entire test will take 3-4 hours. You can resume normal
activities immediately after the test.
Medication-induced stress testing may be ordered by your physician for those who cannot reach an acceptable
heart rate.
Reference: 2004 North Point Domain.
-- printed on 07/11/2007 for WILLIAM PCCTESTKID