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What is
a thallium stress test?
A
Thallium stress test is a nuclear medicine scanning procedure that
allows the cardiologist to look for blockages in the (heart)
coronary arteries. The nuclear camera takes images of the
heart and projects them onto a computer screen. These images show
blood flow to the heart muscle which indicates the strength or weakness of the heart.
What
will I be doing during the test?
During the thallium stress test, images of the heart are taken both
during exercise and rest. To exercise the heart, patients usually
walk on a treadmill. If exercise is not feasible or recommended, a
small dose of medication is given to increase the heart rate or
blood flow to the heart.
The first pictures of the heart are taken after the patient receives
a small dosage of thallium. Thallium is an isotope that clings to
the heart muscle and allows the nuclear camera to see images of the
heart.
Thallium is extremely safe and
there are no known adverse or allergic reactions. The patient lies
on a table under the camera for approximately 15 minutes while the
camera circles around them and records information. Next, the
patient is exercised on the treadmill or given a dose of medication
to increase the blood flow. The doctor monitors the patient’s blood
pressure during the exercise and makes sure that the patient reaches
his/her maximum level of exercise.
After exercise levels have been reached, the patient receives
another small injection of technitum, another radio isotope, and
again lies down under the camera. Images of the heart after exercise
are then taken.
What
does the thallium stress test show?
- If blood flow to the heart is not
blocked after exercise and rest, then the coronary arteries are
normal.
- If the test shows that blood flow is
normal during rest, but abnormal during exercise, then the heart is
not receiving enough blood when it is working harder than normal.
This may be due to a blockage in one or more of the coronary
arteries.
- If the test is abnormal during both
exercise and rest, there is limited blood flow to the patient’s
heart at all times. This could suggest a prior heart attack.
- Your cardiologist will review the
results of your thallium stress test with you as soon as the test is
complete and the pictures are developed. They will advise you of
treatment options if your test is abnormal.
How
to prepare for your Thallium Stress Test.
- It may be a good idea to bring something to read or occupy your time
in between the various portions of the test. You may be at the
office for as long as 4 hours.
-
Please arrive at least 15 minutes early to fill out paper work if
you are a new patient or if your insurance information has changed.
-
No caffeine or de-caffeinated drinks for 24 hours prior to your test
time– drink water, juice, or milk.
- No solid foods for 3 hours before your test. If you are scheduled
for an afternoon test, try to have breakfast at least 3 hours prior
to your test.
For 24 hours before the
test, do not take the following medications:
Beta
Blockers such as:
Toprol
XL, Metoprolol, Lopressor, Coreg, Atenolol, Tenormin.
Calcium
Blockers such as:
Tiazac,
Cardizem CD, Diltiazem, CD,
Cartia Verapamil, Calan, Cardizem LA.
Nitrates such as:
Imdur,
Isosorbide, Nitropatch.
No
Excedrin.
-
If you are taking other medications for your heart or if you are a
diabetic, please check with your doctor before taking medications on
the day of the test.
- You may bring a light snack to have after the stress portion of the
test.
- Wear loose comfortable clothing and sneakers with rubber soles. No
flip flops or open toe shoes. Do not wear shirts or blouses with
metal buttons or zippers.
- Please notify our office if you are severely claustrophobic.
- Since there are no adverse side effects from the thallium stress
test, you will be able to drive immediately following.
-
The
test is conducted at all 6 of our office locations.
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