Pharmacologic With Radiopharmacologic Stress Testing

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Pharmacologic with radiopharmacologic stress testing is also called a nuclear stress test. This test uses medicines to make the heart work just like it does when you exercise. A clear image of the heart before, during and after having the heart work under stress is seen. It is for people who have heart-related symptoms or other medical conditions and cannot do an exercise stress test. The medicines 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. A blockage in the arteries or damage in the muscles or walls of the heart may be seen with nuclear stress testing.
  
  
• 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. Images of the heart while you are resting and during and after giving the medicine are taken using a special camera. Your heart activity is recorded using an electrocardiogram (ECG), and watched on a screen. Having a nuclear stress test as soon as possible may diagnose your condition, and prevent other medical problems.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Learn why you take each medicine. Ask your caregiver for information about your medicine. Do not use any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver. If you are taking medicine that makes you drowsy, do not drive or use heavy equipment.

Ask your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

Lifestyle changes: After the test results are looked at, caregivers may suggest that you make lifestyle changes such as the following:

• Eat a healthy diet: Eat a variety of healthy foods such as fruits, vegetables, whole-grain breads, low-fat dairy products, beans, lean meat, and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you have more energy. Ask your caregiver if you need to be on a special diet.
  
  
• Drinking liquids: Men 19 years old and older should drink about 3.0 Liters of liquid each day (close to 13 eight-ounce cups). Women 19 years old and older should drink about 2.2 Liters of liquid each day (close to 9 eight-ounce cups). Good choices for most people to drink include water, juice, and milk. If you are used to drinking liquids that contain caffeine, such as coffee, these can also be counted in your daily liquid amount. Some food items such as soup and fruit also add liquid to your diet. Ask your caregiver how much liquid you should have each day.
  
  
• Start exercising: Talk to your caregiver before you start exercising. Together you can plan the best exercise program for you. It is best to start slowly and do more as you get stronger. Exercising can help make your heart stronger and keep you healthy.
  
  
• Quit smoking: It is never too late to quit smoking. Smoking harms the heart, lungs, and the blood. You are more likely to have a heart attack, lung disease, and cancer if you smoke. You will help yourself and those around you by not smoking. Ask your caregiver for more information about how to stop smoking if you are having trouble quitting.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You feel dizzy and lightheaded.
  
  
• You have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• You have questions or concerns about your test, or medicine.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have trouble breathing all of a sudden.
  
  
• You have chest pain even after taking medicines.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

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