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Stress Test with Cardiolite
 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 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?
During the test, the 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 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.
About 90 seconds before you need to stop exercising, a small amount of the radioactive Cardiolite will be injected into your bloodstream through the IV line and allowed to circulate during the final minute of exercise. 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.
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What is the preparation for the stress portion of the test?
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 physiologic 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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