Nuclear Stress Test

Nuclear stress testing is a diagnostic test to determine heart function and if the heart muscle is receiving adequate blood supple. There are two parts to this test, rest and stress.

CARDIOLITE will be injected into your vein while you are at rest, and a special camera will take pictures of your heart.

The stress test portion of the test is performed on a treadmill or the use of chemicals (Persantine or Dobutamine) with continuous EKG monitoring. CARDIOLITE will be injected during exercise or after the injection of chemicals and another set of pictures will be taken of your heart.

Pre and post instructions

Pre instructions:

Rest day: this will take approximately 1 hour to complete. There is no preparation. You may eat and take all your medications. You will receive an injection of Cardiolite and you will have to wait between 30 to 60 minutes to allow the tracer to get into place.
Stress Day: a technologist will prepare you for the test. They will apply 10 electrodes, establish an IV, take your blood pressure, and take EKG readings. Dr Aldrich or a Nurse Practitioner will be present during the test. After the exercise test is complete, pictures will be taken of your heart. This day takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.

Important things to remember:

NO CAFFEINE OR DAIRY PRODUCTS 24 HOURS PRIOR TO TEST. This includes decaffeinated coffee, teas, chocolate, soda or decaffeinated soda and eggs.
PLEASE DO NOT TAKE ANY BETA BLOCKERS OR CALCIUM CHANNEL BLOCKERS 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE TEST.
Medication list.
All other medications are ok to take the day of the test.
Do not eat 2 to 3 hours before the test. Diabetic patients may have a snack 2 to 3 hours before the test and take half of your normal insulin dose.
Wear comfortable clothes and walking shoes, no sandals, flip-flops, or slip on type shoes.

Call for an appointment: 941-359-8900