Cardiolite Stress Test

What is the purpose of a cardiolite stress test?
A cardiolite stress test can help your physician determine if there are blockages in the arteries that supply blood to your heart.

How is a cardiolite stress test performed?
An IV is started, usually in a vein of your hand or arm. 12 electrodes are attached to your chest to enable monitoring of your heart rate. You will then walk on a treadmill to stress your heart. Those who are unable to walk on a treadmill will be given persantine or dobutamine through their IV. These medications are a pharmacological way of stressing the heart without exercise.

Once you have reached a peak exercise or stress level, a small amount of a radioactive material is injected into your IV. You will then lie on a special table that allows us to take pictures of your heart. Your left arm will be placed above your head.

A camera that can detect radioactivity will be positioned above your chest and will move from your right to left side. Nothing will touch you. It is very important that you do not move while images are being made. After the pictures are completed, the nuclear medicine physician will decide if any more pictures are needed. Before you leave, a technologist will give you a time at which to return the next day for the second part of your test.

When you return the second day, you will be given another injection of the radioactive material. After the injection, you will wait in a waiting area for about an hour. Pictures will then be taken of your heart at rest.

How do I prepare for a cardiolite stress test?
Patients should not have anything by mouth for four hours prior to the procedure. Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor prior to the test, as some medications can affect test results. Be sure to wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes if you will be walking on a treadmill.

How soon will my doctor get the results?
After the procedure is complete, a nuclear medicine physician will study the pictures along with your medical history to make an assessment of your heart function. He will then dictate a report that will be forwarded to your physician within five to seven business days. If your doctor needs the results sooner, he/she may contact the nuclear medicine physician on the day of the test.

How do I make an appointment?
Your doctor will write an order or prescription for the test. The doctor will either give you the order or have it faxed to the hospital. You may then schedule your appointment by calling 847-723-5050.

If I still have questions, who should I call?
For more information about the procedure, please call the Heart Station at 847-723-5480.