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Stress Test with Adenosine and Cardiolite
 The
purpose of the test is to assess the blood flow to the heart
muscle at peak stress and again at rest. This test is used
in people who are unable to exercise. In lieu of exercise
on a treadmill, the medication adenosine is given, which
acts to dilate the coronary arteries. Adenosine is a naturally
occurring substance produced by many tissues in your body.
The test is given over two separate days. On one day, you
will receive an infusion of adenosine and Cardiolite, which
is referred to as the stress portion of the test, and on
the other day, an infusion of Cardiolite only, which is
referred to as the rest portion of the test.
Following are some frequently asked questions about the test and how to prepare for it. Click on the question for the answer, which will appear below the questions.
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What will happen during the test?
Before the stress portion of the test, a small intravenous (IV) line will be started in a vein in your arm. The IV will allow us to inject the adenosine and Cardiolite into the bloodstream at the appropriate time. A blood pressure cuff will be placed around your other arm to monitor your blood pressure during the test. Electrodes will be placed on your chest to monitor your electrocardiogram throughout the test.
A special pump will be used to infuse adenosine into your bloodstream for five minutes. About half way through the infusion (approximately 2.5 minutes), a small amount of a radioactive tracer called Cardiolite will be injected into the same IV line. The Cardiolite will "mark" the blood flow pattern to the heart. After completion of the adenosine infusion, we will continue to monitor your blood and electrocardiogram for a few minutes. The IV line and the electrodes will then be removed and you will need to eat a fatty meal. The fatty meal helps clear out the tracer in the stomach and colon.
Approximately one hour later the pictures will be taken with a special camera. You will lie on your back with your arms above your head while the camera takes x-ray type pictures of the blood flow to your heart from many different angles. The pictures are stored in digital form on a special computer.
On a separate day, the resting portion of the exam will be performed. Cardiolite will be injected directly into a vein while you are at rest. After you have been injected, you will need to eat a fatty meal. Approximately one hour later, a set of pictures of the blood flow to your heart will be recorded. After you leave the laboratory we will perform special computer processing of both sets of pictures to compare the blood flow pattern to your heart at stress and at rest.
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What is the preparation for the stress portion of the test?
Be sure to bring someone with you to drive you home.
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Since your blood pressure will be checked periodically during the test, wear a short-sleeved shirt or blouse.
Do not wear boots, jumpsuits, overalls, or a dress.
Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for 24 hours before your stress test. Items with caffeine include: colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain cold remedies.
Do not eat anything 4 hours prior to the stress test.
Please do not smoke or exercise 8 hours before testing.
You should continue to take all medications, unless your cardiologist instructs you to do otherwise.
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What is the preparation for the rest portion of the test?
Please do not eat or drink anything with caffeine in it for 4 hour before your resting test. Items with caffeine include: colas, coffee, tea, chocolate, and certain cold remedies.
Do not eat anything 4 hours prior to the test.
Please do not smoke or exercise 8 hours before testing.
If you routinely take any medications take them as prescribed.
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What should I bring with me to the stress test?
Inhalers, if you use them
List of medications and dosages
Insurance card
Referral for stress test if required by your insurance company
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Where will the test be performed?
The test will be performed at:
Legacy Heart Center
6601 Preston Road
Plano, Texas 75024
469-326-3400
Link to map
Once your appointment has been scheduled it is very important that you keep that appointment. If you are unable to keep the appointment, you must give the office at least 24 hours notice that you will not be there. Please contact us at the phone number above. Our busy schedule requires tight scheduling restrictions, and it would be appreciated if you would notify our office if you will be late for your appointment. We would appreciate your complete cooperation.
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What is the accuracy of the test results?
In general, the diagnostic accuracy of the standard ECG stress test is about 68% and may therefore provide limited information. This accuracy is further diminished in some patients because of certain medications, abnormalities on the resting ECG, etc. The more sensitive Cardiolite test is very useful in these instances and provides what we call a "live" assessment of blood flow. In addition, the Cardiolite test provides very useful information about your risk of having heart attack. Although no test will always provide 100% accurate information, the presence or absence of a significant blood flow problem to the heart muscle can usually be documented with this test.
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Who will give me the test results?
After a review of the test, your medical history, other imaging modalities and previous tests by a Legacy Heart Center cardiologist, a report will be sent to the ordering physician. The ordering physician will then review the results and discuss them with you.
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