Persantine Cardiolite Stress Test

Your doctor has recommended that you have a persantine cardiolite stress test. This test will allow more accurate evaluation of the condition of your heart. Results from this procedure will help your doctor decide what treatment is best for you.

The information provided below is intended to answer some of the questions you may have about the test. Please contact your doctor to discuss anything that you don't understand or would like more information about.

Your Heart and Coronary Artery Disease
To better understand why your doctor has recommended the persantine cardiolite stress test, it is important to understand the workings of your heart and the arteries that supply it with oxygen.

Your heart is an amazing pumping machine that is responsible for supplying all the organs of your body with blood that contains oxygen and other life-giving nutrients they need to stay healthy. To do its job, your heart needs to receive a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen through a special network of blood vessels called the coronary arteries.

The inner walls of the coronary arteries are normally smooth, allowing blood to flow through them easily. Over time, however, a condition called coronary artery disease can develop in which fats and other materials carried in the bloodstream begin to adhere to the artery walls. When these materials build up, they become a substance called plaque which narrows or blocks the arteries, restricting blood flow. As a result, the heart may not receive the oxygen it needs to perform the work it is being called upon to do.

Why do I need a persantine cardiolite stress test?
The persantine cardiolite stress test will help your physician determine whether your coronary arteries have become narrowed or blocked as a result of coronary artery disease. Results from the test will assist your doctor in selecting the best course of treatment.

How do I prepare for the test?

• Be sure to tell the doctor administering the test if you have asthma or chronic lung disease.
• If you are taking any medicine for asthma, such as theophylline or aminophylline, be sure to consult with your doctor. Some doctors recommend that you stop taking these medicines for 36-48 hours before the test.
• Do not use nicotine products or consume caffeine for 4 hours prior to the test.
• Do not eat for 4 hours before the test. Diabetics may have clear liquids.
• Wear a comfortable two-piece outfit.
• Continue taking your medications with sips of water.
• Bring your doctor's order or referral with you.
• Bring a list of your medications with you.

What will happen on the day of my test?
The persantine cardiolite stress test is a two-day, two-part test. Each part of the exam takes approximately 2 ½ hours to complete.

The first and most important thing to remember while undergoing a persantine cardiolite stress test is that the cardiologist who is performing the test is also there to answer any questions you may have. A registered nurse and a nuclear medicine technologist will also be present.

During the test, the cardiologist and technologist will monitor your heart using a machine called an electrocardiograph. Electrodes connected to the electrocardiograph machine will be placed on your chest to enable monitoring.

An intravenous line (IV) will be placed in your arm. Persantine and cardiolite will be given directly through the IV line. When the test is over, the IV line will be removed.

The persantine will be administered over a four minute period. The persantine is given to expand (dilate) the coronary arteries. If you experience any unusual sensations during or following the test, it is important to report them to the doctor.

The nuclear medicine technologist will then administer cardiolite. Cardiolite travels freely through the normal arteries that have been expanded by the persantine and less so through the arteries that are narrowed. A special camera that is able to detect cardiolite will be placed close to your chest. This camera will take images of the cardiolite as it is carried to your heart through the coronary arteries. By studying these pictures the doctor will be able to see which areas of the heart may not be receiving a sufficient supply of blood and oxygen.

Once the images have been taken, you may leave the Nuclear Medicine Department. The nuclear medicine technologist will inform you of the day and time to return for another set of pictures.

By comparing the second set of pictures with those taken the day before, the doctor will be better able to evaluate your condition. Test results will be mailed to your physician within 5 to 7 work days.

Reducing your Risk for Heart Disease

• Don't smoke
• Have your blood pressure checked regularly
• Reduce your intake of fats and cholesterol
• Maintain your ideal weight
• Exercise regularly according to your physician's guidelines

Inquiries
Our goal is to provide you with excellent care. If you have any questions or comments, please contact:

Jan Duval, RN
Coordinator, Heart Station
847-723-5480