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Stress
Test FAQ's
Is a
myocardial perfusion stress test safe?
Any stress procedure may have some risks, and you should consult with
your physician regarding the risks and benefits of this procedure. The
radioactive materials, Myoview and/or Thallium, have been shown to be
safe. This test and these materials are routinely used worldwide, under
physician supervision, for Myocardial Perfusion Imaging. Neither Myoview
nor Thallium are dyes and there are no serious side effects associated
from their injections.
How is the test performed?
The test consists of two parts, a rest and exercise portion. The
entire test will be completed in 3-4 hours. An intravenous (I.V.) line
will be placed in your arm or hand vein to allow the ease of the Myoview
injection. The I.V. will be removed when the test in completed. Myoview
will be administered through the I.V. while you are at rest and once again
during peak exercise. After the resting injection of the Myoview is
administered you will be asked to wait for one hour to let the tracer
circulate. Pictures will then be taken of your heart using a special
camera able to trace the Myoview that has localized in your heart. You
will be asked to lie down on a special table, the camera will rotate above
and around your chest while pictures are being taken, which will take
approximately 10 minutes to complete. You may breathe normally while the
pictures are being taken. It is very important that you do not move or
shift your body while the camera takes the pictures of your heart. You
will not receive any radiation from the camera. After the resting images
of your heart have been completed, you will be brought to a treadmill room
for the exercise stress test.
As in a regular stress test, ECG electrodes will be attached to your
chest. This will allow the physician or physician's assistant to monitor
your heart before, during and after exercise. A blood pressure cuff will
be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure before, during and
after exercise.
The exercise part of the test is usually done with a treadmill, very
similar to a treadmill used at a health club. Exercising will begin
slowly, and every three minutes the pace and the incline will gradually
increase. As you exercise, your heart rate and blood pressure will change.
This is normal, and remember, you are being closely monitored throughout
the exercise. At your peak exercise, Myoview will be injected through the
I.V. and you will be asked to continue exercising for an additional one or
two minutes.
Approximately 30 minutes after the exercise is completed, the stress
pictures are taken in the same manner as the resting pictures. This will
complete the testing. A Cardiologist will interpret the images and a
written report will be sent to your primary physician.
What happens if I am unable to exercise?
Some people, because of a variety of disabilities or effect of medications
are unable to exercise adequately on a treadmill to achieve an optimal
heart rate. In these cases, an injection of a drug called Persantine can
produce an effect on the heart similar to exercise. Your physician will
choose the type of stress testing.
Are there any special preparations?
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Clothing
- You should wear comfortable clothing for exercise and shoes
appropriate for walking. Please shower before the test and do not use
any body powders or lotion on your skin.
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Food
- You should have nothing to eat, drink, or smoke, except water to
take medications, eight (8) hours prior to the test. Consume
absolutely no caffeine (coffee, decaf coffee, beverages, foods and
medicatins that contain caffeine).
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All
medications should be continued, unless otherwise instructed by your
physician.
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Diabetic
patients, if you are unable to eat breakfast due to a morning
scheduled appointment do not administer insulin or diabetic medication
until the test is completed. If your test is scheduled in the
afternoon, please eat a light breakfast and take half of your insulin
dose.
Important
Points To Remember
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Please
bring a list of your current medications, including names and dosages.
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Please
bring your insurance information and/or your physician's written
orders and/or a referral form if applicable.
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You will
receive an injection of the tracer for each part of the exam.
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The
radioactive tracer is ordered especially for you. If you are unable to
keep your appointment for any reason, notify the office one day before
the exam at 586-775-4594.
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If you
are pregnant or breastfeeding notify your physician before taking the
test.
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A
written report of the test will be sent to your physician once it is
interpreted.
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