Nuclear Chemical Stress Test | Northwest Allied Physicians (2024)

A myocardial perfusion imaging test uses radioactive imaging agent (not a dye) to produce pictures of the heart muscle. The imaging agent gives off a small amount of radiation, which can be detected by a special nuclear camera. The amount of radiation exposure during the test is very small and poses no health risk. The test will help your doctor determine if there are areas of your heart muscle, which do not receive enough blood supply due to coronary artery disease. Areas of your heart, which may have been damaged from a previous heart attack, may also be seen.

The test consists of a rest portion and a stress portion, which will take approximately 3-3½ hours to complete. The first part of the test is the rest portion, which is used to image the heart at rest. During this portion of the test, you will receive an injection of the imaging agent. There are no side effects associated with the imaging agent. You will then be required to wait 45-60 minutes in the waiting room to let the agent circulate. You may have sips of water while you wait. You will be able to use the restroom as often as you need. After the wait, you will be brought into the camera room for imaging. The pictures will take approximately 10 minutes to complete.

The second part of the test is the stress portion, which contains a five-minute intravenous injection of a medication. This is a natural substance that your body already produces and it is used to simulate exercise. It causes blood vessels of the heart and other areas of the body to dilate. You may experience side effects such as shortness of breath, chest pain, headache, nausea, flushing, and throat or jaw pain. All the side effects resolve quickly once the medication is stopped. The same radioactive imaging agent used for the rest portion will also be injected during the infusion. During the infusion, your blood pressure, heart rate, rhythm and ECG will be continuously monitored for any changes. You will be asked to wait 45-60 minutes, during which time you will be able to eat and drink anything you wish. After the wait you will be brought into the camera room to have pictures taken again for approximately three minutes.

Patient instructions for stress portion:

1. You will be sitting in a chair slightly angled back with your left arm above your head.
2. While being imaged you will not be permitted to move, talk or sleep.
3. If you are allergic to Xanthenes (Theophylline or Aminophylline) we are unable to perform the test.
4. If you have asthma, COPD, emphysema or any breathing conditions or if you use inhalers please inform the clinical staff when scheduling the test.
5. No food for eight (8) hours prior to test.
   *You may have unlimited amounts of water the morning of the test.
   *You must AVOID any foods, drinks, or medications that contain caffeine for at least ten (10) hours prior to the test (i.e. coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks and even decaffeinated products).
6. You may take your regular medications with water, including your blood pressure medicine.
7. However:
   *If you are taking any of the medications listed on the attached sheet (for asthma) stop them 48 hours prior to the test.
   *You may continue to use prescription inhalers as prescribed.
8. If you are diabetic, please contact the physician who manages your diabetes for instruction on adjusting your medications while you are fasting.
9. Wear two piece clothing. No shirts with metal snaps or sequins.
10. Your physician will notify you of your results approximately 7 days from completion of the test.

Medications to Hold for Nuclear Chemical (Adenosine) Stress Test

No food eight hours prior. No caffeine 10 hours prior (even decaf beverages).

1. Theophylline
2. Aminophylline
3. Theo-Dur
4. Theobid
5. Tedral
6. Slo-phyllin
7. Quibron
8. Elxophyllin
9. Bronkodyl
10. Aerolate
11. Respbid
12. Slo-Bid
13. Sustaire
14. Theoclear
15. Theolair
16. Theospan
17. Theophylline SR
18. Theovent
19. P5 Uniphyl
20. Aggranox
21. Pentozifylline/Trental
22. Aggrenox