WHAT IS A CARDIOLITE STRESS TEST?

A Cardiolite Stress Test helps diagnose coronary artery disease or identifies areas of the heart that lack an adequate blood supply due to narrowed or blocked coronary arteries. Coronary arteries are located on the outside of the heart and bring oxygen rich blood to the heart muscle. While walking on a treadmill Cardiolite is injected at peak exercise through an I.V. in the arm. Cardiolite (a radioactive substance known as a tracer) travels in the blood stream to the heart where it is picked up by the heart muscle cells. Areas of the heart muscle that lack an adequate blood supply pick up the tracer very slowly or not at all. After exercising you will be asked to report to the Radiology Department for the imaging session. The tracer emits a small amount of radioactivity that will be detected by a special scanning camera one hour later in Radiology. This session will last about 30 minutes. If the heart muscle receives less blood supply than the rest of the heart muscle because of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, this scan will show less tracer in that area of the heart muscle. The scan helps the physician determine areas of the heart muscle that do not receive enough blood supply. An additional resting scan is needed to determine what the heart looks like at rest. This test may be done before the exercise portion of the test. Allow three hours for this scan and remember to fast and avoid cigarettes, chewing tobacco and pipe tobacco six hours prior to the scheduled appointment. The Cardiologist will read the test and serious concerns will be reported to your physician immediately. Test results will be mailed to your physician.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TEST? Several electrodes (adhesive patches) will be placed on your chest to record heart activity during exercise. You will be shown how to properly use the treadmill with support railings or a stationary bicycle. The treadmill will start slowly, and the speed and incline will increase gradually. The exercise portion usually lasts about 9-12 minutes. You will be instructed to report any symptoms such as chest discomfort, dizziness, and shortness of breath or leg fatigue. When you have completed the test, you will rest for another five -10 minutes while your blood pressure and electrocardiogram are monitored. You will be asked to report for the second scanning session, which last about 30 minutes.

IS THE CARDIOLITE STRESS TEST SAFE?

The radiation exposure during the test is small (less than a chest X-ray), and the doses are safe. The scanning camera detects the Cardiolite; it does not take x-rays. However, if you are pregnant, suspect you may be or are a nursing mother, discuss the test with your doctor. The exercise test is generally safe. A small amount of risk exists with any test that stresses the heart. Possible rare complications include abnormal heart rhythm or heart attack. Experienced personnel are available to handle any emergency.

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