What is a Cardiolite stress test?
 

The heart muscle receives blood from vessels called coronary arteries. The heart muscle may not receive the blood it needs to function properly if these coronary arteries become partially blocked or narrowed by the accumulation of cholesterol. This narrowing or blockage of the coronary arteries is called coronary atherosclerosis or, more commonly, coronary artery disease (CAD).

As CAD progresses, the heart muscle when under stress (i.e., when you exercise) may not receive sufficient blood. If CAD is limiting blood flow to the heart muscle, this may be detected with the Cardiolite Stress Test.

What will I experience during the test?

• You will be asked to sign a consent form for the exercise part of the test. Please read the form carefully. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to ask. A physician or supervising nurse/technician will explain the entire procedure before beginning the Myocardial Perfusion Test.
• Several adhesive patches, called electrodes, will be placed on your chest. These will be placed on your chest. These will be connected to an electrocardiographic (ECG) monitor so that your heart rate and rhythm can be watched closely throughout the Myocardial Perfusion Test. An intravenous (I.V.) line will be inserted in your arm. This will be used later to inject the radioisotope Cardiolite (tracer) at maximum exercise. The I.V. will be removed after completion of the test.
• You will exercise by walking on a moving belt called a treadmill. This treadmill will be started at a very slow speed and as the Myocardial Perfusion Test proceeds, the speed and the incline of the treadmill will be gradually increased. As exercise increases, your heart rate and blood pressure will rise, which is normal. Your heart rate, blood pressure, and ECG will be monitored throughout the Myocardial Perfusion Test.
• You will be carefully monitored during your Myocardial Perfusion Test. To increase the effectiveness of the Myocardial Perfusion Test, it is important to exercise as much as you can. If you experience any unusual symptoms, such as chest pain or arm pain, shortness or breath, or lightheadedness, you should tell the physician, supervising nurse or technician right away. Depending on your symptoms, blood pressure, EKG or the degree of fatigue you develop, adjustment will be made to the exercise portion of the Myocardial Perfusion Test.

When is Cardiolite injected?

• One minute prior to the end of exercise, the Cardiolite radioisotope tracer will be injected through the I.V. line. As the tracer enters the blood stream, it will be carried directly to the heart. The Cardiolite will be visualized there by a special camera that can detect radiation.
• Your ECG, heart rate and blood pressure will be monitored for a few minutes after the exercise portion of the Myocardial Perfusion Test is completed.
• The technologist will then position you under the camera and begin taking pictures (imaging). You will be lying on your back with your left arm over your head. The camera will be moved very close to your chest. You may receive either a Planer or a SPECT procedure. The Planer technique involves 3 images at different angles. Each picture will take about 5 minutes. During a SPECT procedure, the camera moves slowly around your chest in an arc-like fashion. The camera will acquire an image for 30-45 seconds and then it will move. The entire SPECT procedure will last approximately 20 minutes. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO REMAIN COMPLETELY STILL WHILE THE PICTURES ARE BEING TAKEN!
• After the first set of images have been completed, you are free to leave the examination room. You will need to return for a duplicate set of pictures in approximately 4 hours. This will allow the doctor to compare your heart under stress and at rest. The technologist will inform you about the restrictions between the 2 sets of pictures.
• This is usually the end of the Myocardial Perfusion Test. Our physician will discuss the results of the test with your personal physician and submit a written report. Your personal physician will then explain the results of the Myocardial Perfusion Test and their implications to you.

Note: Cardiolite is a radioactive tracer material. It is not a dye. Short term safety studies have been performed and show a large margin of safety.