Instructions for a Treadmill Nuclear Stress Test

Your physician has scheduled a special exam of your heart. This test is performed using a special scanner that takes pictures of your heart. Once you arrive at the office, the technologist will start an IV and inject a radioactive tracer that allows your heart to be seen with the scanner. The tracer is a short-lived radioisotope that decays rapidly. You will be walking on a treadmill, so please wear appropriate shoes. This test takes 3-4 hours so please bring a sandwich or any lunch to be eaten when the technologist asks you to eat.

H2: PLEASE FOLLOW THE INSTRUCTIONS CAREFULLY TO AVOID BE RESCHEDULED:

  • Your doctor may request you withhold beta blocker medications. If so, please DO NOT take ANY BETA BLOCKER MEDICATION 24 hours before the test. (atenolol, bisoprolol, metoprolol, timolol eye drops, carvedilol, nadolol, Bystolic, Zebeta, Toprol, Labetalol, Lopressor, Tenormin)
  • DO NOT HAVE ANY FOOD OR DRINK CONTAINING CAFFEINE 24 HOURS BEFORE THE TEST (coffee, tea, decaf coffee or tea, soda with caffeine, herbal teas, chocolate)
  • Nothing to eat or drink 4 hours before exam, except water (no restrictions on water)
  • Wear a short-sleeved shirt or T-shirt and pants. Make sure there are no metal snaps,
  • buttons or metallic design on the front of your shirt. DO NOT wear a dress or one-piece garment. Wear comfortable shoes for walking on a treadmill.
  • If you are diabetic, do not take diabetic medications the morning of the exam but please bring them with you. If you have an afternoon exam, you may take your medications with your breakfast.
  • If you use inhalers or oxygen, please bring with you.
  • If you are breastfeeding/nursing, you must stop for 48 hours after the exam to avoid radiation exposure to the baby.
  • Please allow 3-4 hours for this exam and only the patient is allowed in the back during the test.
  • If you need to cancel this exam for any reason, please GIVE 24-HOUR NOTICE or you will be charged a fee. Radioisotopes are special ordered and cannot be returned or reused.
  • Please be on time for your exam due to the radioisotope having to be ordered for certain times.
  • Please arrive 15 minutes early and bring your insurance cards with you.

If you have any questions, please call your physician's office during normal business hours

Cardiovascular Services

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