Stress testing is a noninvasive procedure that evaluates how your heart is functioning by comparing images first obtained during rest, and immediately following stress.  Either exercise or medication is used to provide the necessary "stress" on your heart.  This test enables the doctor to determine if there are any blockages in the arteries of your heart.  The nuclear stress test takes approximately three to four hours to complete.  An intravenous (IV) line will be placed into your arm in order for the technician to administer the medications necessary to perform this test.

Specific Testing 

Excercise Stress Cardiolite/Myoview: 

An exercise stress test is ordered to evaluate the anatomy and circulation of blood to the heart.  The technologist will take a short medical history and start an I.V. in one of your arms.  A small does of radioactive isotope will be injected.  Following a short waiting period, you will be taken into the imaging room. You will be asked to lay flat on your back with the imaging camera position over your chest.  Approximately 20 minutes of images will be taken.  The first set of images evaluated the blood flow to your heart at rest.  You will then be prepared for the exercise portion of the test.  Electrodes will be placed on your chest and a baseline EKG will be taken. A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm to check your blood pressure during the test.  A doctor or physician assistant will monitor you while you walk on the treadmill.  Based on your age, health status and ability, you will walk on the treadmill for a predefined period of time.  Your heartrate, blood pressure, and EKG will be continuously monitored.  Once you have reached your maximum level of exercise, you will be given a second injection of the radioactive isotope. After stopping exercise, you will be monitored closely and the I.V. will be removed.  Following a short waiting period, you will be taken into the imaging room for a second "stress" set of images.  You will be asked to lay flat on your back with the imaging camera position over your chest. Approximately 20 minutes of images will be taken. After the images have have been acquired, the cardiologist will review the two sets of images and prepare a report.   

Pharmacologic Stress Cardiolite/Myoview: 

  A Pharmacologic stress test is ordered to evaluate the anatomy and circulation of blood to the heart.  For individuals unable to walk on the treadmill, a medication stress test may be ordered.  The technologist will take a short medical history and start an I.V. in one of your arms.  A small dose of radioactive isotope will be injected.  Following a short waiting period, you will be taken into the imaging room.  You will be asked to lay flat on your back with the imaging camera position over your chest.  Approximately 20 minutes of images will be taken.  The first set of images evaluated the blood flow to your heart at rest.  You will then be prepared for the stress portion of the test.  You will lie on a stretcher in the stress lab.  Electrodes will be placed on your chest and a baseline EKG will be taken.  A blood pressure cuff is placed on your arm to check your blood pressure during the test.  A doctor or physician assistant will monitor you while the medication is administered. Your heart rate, blood pressure and EKG will be continuously monitored. Near the end of the infusion, you will be given a second injection of radioactive isotope.  You will be monitored closely and the I.V. will be removed.  Following a short waiting period, you will be taken into the imaging room for a second "stress" set of images.  You will be asked to lie flat on your back with the imaging camera position over your chest.  Approximately 20 minutes of images will be taken.  After the images have been acquired, the cardiologist will review the two sets of images and prepare a report. 

Resting MUGA: 

A MUGA scan (Multi Gated Acquisition Scan) is ordered to evaluate the function of the right and left ventricles of the heart.  The technologist will take a short medical history and start an I.V. in one of your arms to give the 2 injections required for the study.  The first injection, PYP, allows the radioactive isotope to bind to the red blood cells.  The second injection is a small amount of the isotope.  Side effects or reactions from either injection are extremely rare.  Following an incubation process, you will be taken into the imaging room for images of your heart.  You will be asked to lie flat on your back with the imaging camera positioned over your chest.  Three electrodes will be attached to your chest to monitor your heart rhythm.  Approximately 20 minutes of images will be taken.  After the images have been acquired, the cardiologist will review the images and prepare a report.