Pharmacologic Stress Testing

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Pharmacologic stress testing is also called a chemical stress test. This test uses medicine that makes the heart work just as it does when you exercise. It is usually done on those who have heart-related symptoms but cannot do an exercise stress test. The test may show your caregiver how healthy your heart is, or it may find a heart disease. The medicine used will cause the heart to work harder and pump more oxygen-rich blood to the body. Any change in the heart activity, including the rate and rhythm, is seen and recorded.
  
  
• Medicine that works on the blood vessels or muscles of the heart is given during and after the test. This is done through an intravenous (IV) tubing inserted in a vein, usually in the arm. Your heart activity will be recorded using an electrocardiogram (ECG), and watched on a screen. After all of the medicine has been given, ECG tracings are taken again for several minutes. Having a pharmacologic stress test done may diagnose your condition, and prevent other medical problems.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

Having a pharmacologic stress test has certain risks. Problems can happen during or after the test. You may have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up). Your blood pressure may rise or fall and you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and weak. You may have throbbing or extra heartbeats, chest pain, or a heart attack. Your caregiver will be there to help you with these problems. Call your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about the test, your medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Before your test:

• Informed consent: A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.
  
  
• Vital signs: Caregivers will check your blood pressure, heart rate, breathing rate, and temperature. They will also ask about your pain. These vital signs give caregivers information about your current health.

During your test:

• You are asked to change clothes and wear a gown. Electrodes (sticky patches) are placed on your chest. The electrodes are attached to wires that send the electrical activity of your heart to the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor. Caregivers will look at the activity of your heart at rest, and decide what type of medicine will be used for your test.
  
  
• An IV line is placed into a vein in your arm. Medicine that works on the blood vessels or muscles of your heart is given slowly and constantly. Your heart's activity and your blood pressure are checked during and after the medicine is given. Your heart rate and rhythm are also checked regularly. More tracings are recorded after all of the medicine has been given. You may also need to do mild exercise on a treadmill while tracings are recorded. The IV line is removed when the test is done. Caregivers may also remove the ECG electrodes, or the electrodes may stay in place for a time to watch your heart's activity after the test.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Pharmacologic Stress Testing (Inpatient Care)