PERSANTINE CARDIOLITE STRESS TEST  

IMPORTANT TESTING INSTRUCTIONS:

• DO NOT EAT, DRINK OR SMOKE SIX HOURS BEFORE THE TEST
• Allow approximately three hours for the test
• Be sure to mention to the doctor if you have asthma or lung disease before the test is scheduled
• If you take any medications that contain xanthine, such as Theodur, Theophylline, Slo-bid, Respid or Trental, be sure to check with your doctor. He/she may ask you to stop taking it two or three days before the test.
• Do not drink coffee or soft drinks that contain caffeine, eat chocolate or take medications containing caffeine like Anacin, Excedrin, No-Doz, Darvon, Caffregot or Fiorinal, 24 hours prior to the test.
• If you are a diabetic taking insulin, notify your doctor for possible dosage adjustments.
• Bring a list of medications you routinely take.
• Before the test, you will be given an explanation of the test and you will be asked to sign a consent form. Feel free to ask any questions.
• Addition heart images will be required on another day. The Radiology Department will discuss this with you on the day of your test. Please allow three hours for the additional session.

WHAT IS A PERSANTINE CARDIOLITE STRESS TEST?

A Persantine 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. Your physician has determined that you are unable to exercise adequately on a treadmill or a stationary bicycle. Persantine (Diprydamole) is a medication that dilates the coronary arteries to produce an effect similar to what happens when you exercise. Persantine and Cardiolite is infused (given over 4 minutes) through a vein in the arm while resting. Cardiolite (a radioactive tracer) travels in the blood stream to the heart where it is picked up by the heart muscle. Areas of the heart muscle that lack an adequate blood supply pick up the tracer very slowly or not at all. 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 area of the heart muscle receives less blood supply than the rest of the heart muscle because of narrowed or blocked coronary arteries, the 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.

WHAT HAPPENS DURING THE TEST?

Several electrodes (adhesive patches) will be placed on your chest to record heart activity during the test. While lying on a bed, Persantine is given through a vein in your arm for 4 minutes. You will be instructed to report any symptoms such as chest discomfort, headache, dizziness, nausea, facial flushing and shortness of breath. The radioactive tracer is given a few minutes later through the same vein. You will continue to rest for an additional 5 to 10 minutes while your blood pressure and electrocardiogram are monitored. After eating you will be asked to report to Radiology an hour later for the scanning session, which last about 30 minutes.

IS THE PERSANTINE 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. A small amount of risk exists with any test that stresses the heart. Possible rare complications include abnormal heart rhythm, low blood pressure or heart attack. Experienced personnel are available to handle any emergency.

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