The purpose of this test is to determine the blood flow to the heart muscle when the heart is under stress (exercise) and at rest. Before exercise, a small intravenous (IV) line will be started in a vein in your arm. The IV will allow us to inject the Cardiolite marker into the bloodstream at the appropriate time.
Following are some frequently asked questions about the heart test and how to prepare for it.
During the stress test, the Plano cardiologist and a technician are present. Electrodes will be placed on the chest the same as for an electrocardiogram (ECG). Your blood pressure, heart rate, and ECG will be recorded.
You will be asked to perform a “graded” exercise test on a motor-driven treadmill. The first stage of the test will begin with the treadmill at a slow speed and a little uphill inclination. Every three minutes the treadmill increases in speed and elevation. The physician or technician may stop the heart stress test at any time for medical reasons or you may stop the test because of significant fatigue or discomfort. In general, however, we encourage you to exercise as long as possible in order to maximally stress the blood flow to your heart.
Cardiolite will be injected into your bloodstream through the IV. You will walk for two additional minutes after the injection. Cardiolite is taken up by the heart muscle in proportion to the blood flow to it through the coronary arteries. After exercise, we will use a special camera to take X-ray like pictures of the blood flow to your heart.
On a separate day, the rest portion of the exam will be performed. Cardiolite will be injected directly into a superficial vein while you are resting. After the injection you will need to eat a fatty meal. The fatty meal helps clear out activity in the stomach and colon.
Approximately one hour later, we will take a set of pictures of the resting blood flow to your heart. After you leave the laboratory, we will perform special computer processing of the pictures in order to compare the blood flow patterns at stress and rest.
