WHAT IS THE PURPOSE
OF A PERSANTINE CARDIOLITE “STRESS” TEST? Your heart receives blood through
your coronary arteries; if these become blocked or narrowed, your heart will
not receive the blood that it needs for proper function. This test is very
useful to detect the presence and significance of Coronary Artery Disease
(CAD).
WHO ADMINISTERS THIS TEST?
A nuclear technologist and an exercise physiologist.
HOW LONG WILL THE TEST TAKE?
This test will take approximately 4 hours.
HOW SHOULD I PREPARE
FOR MY TEST?
- bring something to read
- bring a list of current medications, including dosage and frequency
- Take your medications at your usual time, unless your physician has
indicated otherwise.
̃If
you take oral Persantine, you must discontinue taking it 48 hours prior to
the test, or it will be cancelled.
̃Do
not have caffeine (even decaffeinated beverages or chocolate) 12 hours prior
to the test or the test will be cancelled.
- It is recommended that you eat
a light meal one hour prior to your arrival. If you are a diabetic, you may
also bring a low-fat snack or fruit juice if necessary.
-Refrain from smoking on the day of the test as this will significantly
decrease image quality.
- Please wear comfortable clothes, slacks or shorts are preferred.
WHAT WILL I EXPERIENCE
DURING THE PERSANTINE CARDIOLITE TEST? - Prior to the test you will
be asked to complete a personal history questionnaire. You will also be
asked to read and sign a consent form. This form provides information
regarding the benefits and risks of the Persantine “stress” test. Please do
not hesitate to ask any questions that you may have.
- Women less than 50 years of age will be required to sign a Non-Pregnancy
statement prior to the start of the test. Nursing mothers will be asked to
temporarily discontinue nursing after the test. Special instructions will
be given on the day of the test.
- During the resting portion
of the test an injection of Cardiolite will be administered into your vein.
Approximately 45 minutes to one hour later, you will be asked to lie on your
back with your arms above your head while the Nuclear Technologist takes
images of your heart. These images will take 15 to 20 minutes.
-
During the Persantine (“stress”) portion of
your test, your skin will be mildly rubbed in preparation for the test.
Several patches will be placed on your chest so that your heart rate and
rhythm can be monitored during the test. You will also have an IV placed in
your arm for the Persantine to be administered into your vein. The
Persantine is a drug that mimics the effects of exercise by dilating your
blood vessels. You may also be asked to lightly pedal a bike or do some
light arm exercises during this time. During the procedure, if you
experience any unusual symptoms (such as chest pain or shortness of breath)
immediately tell the staff monitoring the test. After the Persantine
infusion you will be given a second injection of Cardiolite so we can
proceed with the “stress” images.
-
After the Persantine portion of the test is
done, the IV line will be removed. After waiting again, you will once
again be asked to lie down on your back with your arms above your head for
another set of pictures, which will take 13 to 17 minutes. Results will be
mailed to you in a few weeks unless your doctor sees you in the office for a
visit.
Cardiolite is a radioactive tracer. It contains no iodine! The radiation
that you will receive is comparable to that of a standard chest X-Ray.
