What happens
during the test?
During a persantine cardiolite stress test you will NOT be
required to walk on a treadmill. Your blood pressure and heart
rate will be monitored throughout the test. An IV catheter will
be inserted so we have a way to inject the cardiolite. and
persantine. The persantine infusion is designed to increase your
coronary blood flow. Shortly after the infusion, you will be
taken to the Nuclear Medicine Department to be scanned. The
second day you will report to the Nuclear Medicine Department to
receive another dose of cardiolite followed by another scan.
Will it hurt?
A needle stick is never comfortable but it is needed so the
cardiolite can be injected. We might also have to shave your
chest for proper placement of your electrodes.
What do I do to
prepare?
You must fast for the first day of testing so have nothing to
eat or drink after midnight. You must not take any Xanthine
medications. These include: caffeine, dyphylline, enprophylline,
pentoxyphylline, and theophylline. Have no caffeine 24 hours
prior to the test.
How long will
it take?
The test will take approximately one and a half hours both days.
What is the
reason for the test?
Your physician will use this information to assess how well your
heart is working and if you have any blockages in the arteries
around your heart.
