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.

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 with radiopharmacologic stress testing has risks. You may be exposed to some radiation. You may have an allergy to the dye used and have trouble breathing. You may have nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up). Your blood pressure may increase or decrease and you may feel dizzy, lightheaded, and weak. You may feel your heart throbbing or have extra heartbeats, chest pains or a heart attack. Caregivers are there before, during, and after the test to help you. 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.
  
  
• IV: An IV (intravenous) is a small tube placed in your vein that is used to give you medicine or liquids.

During your test:

• You are asked to change your clothes. Electrodes (sticky patches) are placed on your chest. The electrodes are attached to wires that transmit the electrical activity of your heart to the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor. A tracing of the heart while you are rest is recorded before the actual stress test. The radioactive dye is given through the IV tube.
  
  
• Pictures of the heart at rest are taken using a special camera. Medicine to place the heart under stress is given through the IV. ECG tracings, and your heart rate and rhythm are also checked. A second dose of the dye is injected, and more pictures of the heart are taken during and after the dye have been given. The images of your heart while resting, and while under stress are compared. Computerized tomography (CT) scans or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may also be done during this test.

After your test:

• Heart monitor: This is also called an ECG or EKG. Sticky pads placed on your skin record your heart's electrical activity.
  
  

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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.

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