Nuc Info
Stress Myocardial Perfusion Scan
Nuclear Stress Test
What is a Myocardial Perfusion Scan
A stress myocardial perfusion scan, also known as a nuclear stress test, is a non-invasive procedure that assess blood flow to the heart muscle and how well the heart is pumping by using a small amount of a radioactive substance, known as a tracer. A special camera is used to produce an image by the tracer. The heart is often "stressed" with exercise or if a patient cannot exercise a medication is used to increase the heart rate and dilate the blood vessels.
Instructions Prior the procedure*
- DO NOT EAT 4 hours before the test
- DO NOT smoke the day of the test
- AVOID ALL caffeinated and decaffeinated products 24 hours before the test
- MEDICATIONS
- For patients with diabetes, DO NOT take oral medication for diabetes the morning of the test. If you take long-acting insulin we recommend taking half of your morning or evening dose.
- For patients with asthma, DO NOT take theophylline or aminophylline 48 hours before the test
- For patients scheduled to run on the treadmill, DO NOT take any beta-blockers 24 hours before the test
- AVOID applying body lotion, powder, or cream to the chest and abdominal areas.
*Disclosure: These basic instructions are specific to and for the use of patients receiving care at Cardiology Associates, Inc. only. This information should not be used in place of another facility's instructions.
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