Through the use of nuclear imaging, this test evaluates the blood flow to your heart muscle or identifies blockages in your coronary arteries. One medication causes the coronary arteries to dilate and simulates the effects of exercise. The low-level isotope Myoview is then used to highlight the heart muscle. These tests are used when you cannot exercise at a high enough level on a treadmill to obtain an adequate reading from a stress test.

How do I prepare?

• No food after midnight the night before the test; water only.
• No caffeine or decaffeinated beverages for 12 hours prior to the test, including coffee, tea, and carbonated drinks.
• No caffeine-containing medication such as Anacin, Excedrin, No-Doz, Fioricet, Fiorinal, Theophylline or Theophylline- containing medication 12 hours prior to the test. No Aggrenox for 48 hours before the test.
• Bring a list of your medications, including dosages.
• Take all medication unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.
• If you are diabetic, ask your physician how much medication you should take the morning of the test or call 577-2923 for instruction.
• Avoid smoking 24 hours before the test.

Why do I need it?
This test is usually performed if you have angina, unexplained chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, or known coronary artery disease. The test may be done to diagnose conditions such as coronary artery disease or to determine the cause of your symptoms. It may also be used to check the effectiveness of cardiac procedures or to predict your future risk of developing a heart-related condition such as
heart attack.

What are the risks?
There are no risks associated with the isotope you will be given during this test. You cannot, however, have this test if you are pregnant or suspect that you are pregnant. The pharmacologic medicine used during this test may also give you a headache, dry mouth, or decreased blood pressure. The risks of a stress test are that you could have an abnormal blood pressure response, an irregular heart rhythm,
or very rarely, a heart attack or stroke.

What can I expect during the test?
Day 1:

• An intravenous line (IV) will be started in the Cardiology Department.
• You will then be given a pharmacologic medicine in the Cardiology Department.
• An injection of isotope will be given and a set of pictures will be taken approximately 45 minutes to an hour later.
• Your heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored.
• You may resume normal activities after the test.
• Expect to be at the hospital for approximately 1.5-2 hours.

Day 2:

• Day two will be resting. Pictures will be explained.
• Expect to be at the hospital for 1-1.5 hours.

How do I find out the results?
A final report will be given to your referring doctor who will talk to you about the results.