Myocardial perfusion imaging, also known as a nuclear stress test, is a form of nuclear cardiology. A tiny amount of radioactive material is inserted into a vein. Once the radioactive material is in your body and absorbed into the heart, it can be detected by a gamma camera, enabling pictures to be taken.
The purpose of this test
- Diagnose coronary artery disease, including the presence, location, and extent of disease
- Evaluate coronary artery blood flow
How to Prepare for Your Test
- Have a light breakfast the morning of your test.
- For 12 hours prior to the test, do not drink or use products containing caffeine, including coffee, decaf coffee, teas, colas, chocolate, or Tylenol 1, 2, or 3.
- For 12 hours prior to the test, do not use Theophylline or Theophylline-containing medications.
- If your doctor has not given you specific instructions about whether to stop taking medications before the test, ask your doctor. Do not stop taking medications without consulting your doctor.
- Bring a list of all current medications.
- Wear comfortable clothing including rubber-soled walking or running shoes. Please do not wear slippers, slip-on shoes, or open-back shoes.
What to Expect During the Test
- You will be given an intravenous injection of a very small amount of radioactive material. Side effects are not common.
- Pictures will be taken of the heart 30 to 45 minutes later.
- After a break, stress testing is done either by exercise or with medication if you are unable to exercise.
- Another set of images are taken after the stress test.
- The test takes 4 to 5 hours to complete.
