Thallium Stress Test

What is the purpose of a thallium stress test?
This test is performed to determine if there are any blockages in the arteries that supply blood to the heart.

How is a thallium stress test performed?
The procedure begins with the placement of an IV needle into a vein in your hand or arm. 12 electrodes are attached to your chest to enable monitoring of your heart rate. You will be asked to walk on a treadmill to stress your heart. Those who cannot walk on a treadmill will have persantine or dobutamine administered 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 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.

A technologist will then give you a time at which to return later that same day for second set of images to be taken. When you return, you will receive an injection in the vein of your arm. You'll wait approximately 20 minutes. Pictures will then be taken of your heart at rest.

How do I prepare for a thallium stress test?
You may not have anything by mouth for four hours prior to the test. Talk to your physician about any medications you are taking prior to the procedure.

How will I feel after I have a thallium stress test?
The radioactive shot will have no effect on how you feel.

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 what the images show. 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 exam.

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 Department at 847-723-5480.