Cardiology Nuclear Testing

Your heart scan testing will be medically supervised by the staff of University Cardiovascular Associates.  Listed below is information about how to prepare for your test and what do expect during the test.

Things To Know

How to Prepare for Your Nuclear Test

• You will be asked not to eat or drink for 4-6 hours prior to the test, with the exception of a small amount of water to take your medications.
• Caffeine products and smoking should be avoided for 24 hours.
• If you are taking any medications, bring them with you, or a list of the medications and prescribed doses.
• If you are taking a cardiac medication and have not been previously instructed whether to continue or stop the medication, please call your physician who is ordering the test to find out if you should taper or stop taking any of these medications prior to the test.
• You receive a telephone call from one of our staff the day before the test to review this information and medication list.
• If you are diabetic - please do not take any oral medications or regular insulin the morning of the test. Take 1/2 your NPH insulin dose the morning of the test.
• You should plan to wear comfortable clothing and shoes if you are scheduled for a treadmill Stress test. An Adenosine or Dobutamine Stress Test Stress Test does not require walking.
• The total time of your visit including the test and the two sets of images is 3 - 5 hours.
• It will be necessary to elevate your left arm, and preferably both arms, above your head during the test.

What To During Your Test

• When you arrive for your test, you will be asked to remove your clothing above the waist and put on a hospital gown.
• The exam will be explained to you and you will be required to sign a consent form. Please do not hesitate to ask any questions.
• An IV will be placed in a vein in your hand or arm. The IV will be used to inject the two isotopes used for the procedure as well as the Adenosine or Dobutamine, if ordered for your type of test.
• Thallium is the first isotope to be injected through the IV.  It will be necessary to wait 15-20 minutes before the resting images can begin.  You will then lie down on an imaging table with your left arm, or both arms if possible, above your head.  The imaging camera will move slowly around your chest for approximately 15 minutes, you will not be in an enclosed tube.
• Once the resting images are completed, EKG electrode pads will be placed on your chest to monitor your heart during the stress portion of your test.
• Blood pressure and EKG tracings will be monitored throughout the stress testing.
• The type of stress testing depends on what your doctor has ordered.  You will either walk on the treadmill, or lie on a bed and be given a medication, Adenosine or Dobutamine, to simulate stress.

Treadmill:  You will be exercising on an electric powered treadmill. As you walk, the speed and incline will increase at selected intervals during the test, until you reach your target or peak level.  The length of the exercise test depends on you and how you are feeling.

Adenosine:  The adenosine is given through your IV over 6 minutes. You may be asked to do simple exercises to help circulate the isotope. You may also be given medication to reverse any effects of the adenosine.

Dobutamine:  The Dobutamine is given through your IV in gradualincrements to obtain you peak heart rate.  You may be asked to do  simple exercises, or additional medication may be given, to help reach this level. 

• At the appropriate time, during the stress, Sestamibi (the second isotope) will be injected into the IV.  At the conclusion of the stress portion of the test, a waiting time of 20-90 minutes is required before the stress images can begin.
• The stress images are identical to the resting images, however a heart monitor will be connected during the 15-20 minute scan.
• At the conclusion of the test, the IV will be removed and you will be able to get dressed.  You may now leave the testing facility and return home to your normal activities and medication routine.

In This Section

Things to Know

• Nuclear Testing
• Carotid Doppler
• Stress Echo