A nuclear stress test, also known as Myocardial Perfusion Imaging, measures blood flow to your heart muscle both at rest and during stress of the heart. The nuclear stress test involves taking two sets of images of your heart; one set after an exercise or pharmalogical stress test and another set while you are at rest. The two images are compared to see if there is a change in blood flow to the heart muscle.
Patient Instructions:
1. No food for (4) hours prior to the test.
2. No caffeine or decaffeinated drinks for (12) hours prior to the test (No coffee, tea, sodas, chocolates, OTC medication that contains caffeine ex. Excedrin).
3. Do not take the following medications:
· Beta Blockers for 24 hours: EX: Atenolol, carvedilol, metoprolol
· Calcium Channel Blockers for 24 hours: Calan, Cardizem, Verapamil, Tiazac, Isoptin
4. Please bring your medication with you so you can take them after your test. If you use an inhaler please bring it with you.
5. Wear lightweight, comfortable clothing suitable for exercising. Please wear closed toed shoes suitable for walking. No flip flops, sandals, dress shoes, dresses or pantyhose.
6. Please bring something to eat. It is necessary after the stress portion of testing.
7. This test will not be performed if you are pregnant. If you are nursing, you will be given specific instructions following your test. Please notify doctor and staff if you are pregnant or nursing.
