| Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Study |
What is a Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Study?
A Myocardial Perfusion Imaging Study (formally called a thallium stress test) is a stress test that involves images of your heart taken while you are at rest and or/while your heart is under “stress”. “stress” can be reproduced by either treadmill exercise or by medications (Adenosine, Dipyridamole or Dobutamine) which mimic some of the effects of exercise. This test helps the cardiologist to assess blood flow to the heart muscle and to evaluate the pumping action of the heart muscle. Small amounts of radioactive substances (isotopes or tracers) are given to you through intravenous (IV) line. This isotope (technetium) allows the blood flow to the heart muscle to be seen by the camera taking images. There are no side effects from the isotopes; however, they contain very small amounts of radioactivity.
What Patients Should Expect:
Preparation for The Procedure:
- Do not eat or drink anything, except water, for 4 hours prior to the test.
- It is important that you inform your physician about medications you may be taking and or/ the possibility that you may be pregnant.
- You must not take any medications containing caffeine do not eat chocolate nor drink any coffee, tea or other caffeinated beverages for 12 hours prior to the test.
- Avoid decaffeinated coffee and tea. Herbal tea is permitted.
- Please wear loose fitting pants or shorts and comfortable walking shoes or sneakers. Do not wear slip on shoes.
- You should avoid cigarette smoking prior to the test.
- Bring some reading material to help pass the time.
- Before starting the test, you will be asked to sign an informed consent.
- An intravenous (IV) line will be started and EKG leads will be placed on your chest.
- A physician and nurse will be present during the entire test.
- You must alert the physician, nurse or technologist conducting your test if there is any possibility that you may be pregnant.
During The Test:
- The protocol for stress testing is subject to change based on each patient’s reason for testing.
- Exercise testing is performed on a treadmill. Images are taken with a special (gamma) camera. The images are taken at rest and after exercise.
- During the exercise portion, you are asked to walk and possibly run on a treadmill; the speed and inclination of the treadmill are increased over several minutes depending on your comfort and exercise capability. At the start of the test, the speed of the treadmill is slow in order to allow you get used to the treadmill.
- A minute or two prior to the end of the exercise portion, the isotope (technetium) is given to you through an IV.
- If you are unable to walk on a treadmill, the effects of exercise stress are simulated with medication in order that the blood flow to your heart can be intentionally increased. The isotope is given through your IV line by a technician while you are at rest and during the stress portion of the test.
- Pictures (a scan) will be taken 30-60 minutes after each injection of tracer. This will show blood flow to the heart. The long delay is necessary in order to allow the tracer to be completely “absorbed” by your heart.
- Please notify the individuals conducting your test if you feel any discomfort, chest pain, jaw pain, tightness or shortness of breath.
- Note: The specific method of how your stress test is conducted may change based on the specific reason for testing and information to be obtained. This will be explained before we begin your test.
After the Test:
- You IV will be taken out.
- You may eat and drink unless told otherwise by your physician.
Follow Up/Discharge Instructions:
- You should not have close contact with small children or pregnant women for 24 hours after the test to avoid exposing them to the isotope.
- Your physician will discuss the results of the test with you and inform you of follow up care if needed.
|
