Overview
A nuclear medicine myocardial perfusion stress test is ordered when Dr. Moore wants to see if your heart muscle is receiving adequate blood supply. This two-part study compares the way your heart works when your body is at rest and when your body is under stress. During the test, a small amount of radioactive material called Cardiolite is injected into your blood stream. This safe material follows the path of the blood supply to the heart muscle, allowing experts to determine if there is normal or impaired coronary artery blood flow. Impaired blood flow generally indicates coronary artery disease (CAD).

Dr. Moore orders two different types of nuclear stress tests, depending upon your condition and individual situation. The adenosine stress test does not involve physical activity, while the traditional or non-adenosine stress test involves walking on a treadmill. The preparation for these tests is slightly different, but both tests require two separate appointments. One session involves acquiring images after stress and the other is much quicker and involves only imaging at rest. You'll receive a Cardiolite injection at both appointments. You must follow the test preparation directions before both appointments. Please plan to arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment for each portion of the test.

Please note: Radioactive material is ordered especially for your test. If you're unable to keep your appointment, please notify Dr. Moore's office immediately, preferably at least 24-hours prior to your appointment.

Preperation
Non-adenosine Nuclear Stress Test (Treadmill Nuclear Stress Test) Preparation

• Food and beverage: Do not eat or drink any products with 'caffeine' or 'decaf' for 12 hours prior to the test. Avoid medications that contain caffeine.
• Medication: Do not take your blood pressure and other heart medications (except warfarin (coumadin) therapy) the night before and the day of your study. You can take your cholesterol medication as scheduled. If you're not sure which medications you should not take, please ask Dr. Moore.
• Clothing: Wear loose comfortable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. You'll walk on a treadmill, so dress appropriately. Please do not wear dresses or open-toed shoes. Do not wear perfume, lotions, oils or powders on your chest.
• Consent: Prior to the test, you'll be asked to sign a consent form. Please don't hesitate to ask questions prior to the test.

• Food and beverage: Do not eat or drink for four hours prior to your test. Do not eat or drink any products with 'caffeine' or 'decaf' for 12 hours prior to the test. Avoid medications that contain caffeine too.
• Medication: Do not take your blood pressure and other heart medications (except warfarin (coumadin) therapy) the night before and the day of your study. You can take cholesterol medications as scheduled. Do not take any medications that contain Theophylline for 48 hours prior to your test. If you're not sure which medications you should not take, please ask Dr. Moore. (For some special circumstances, you may be asked to take the above medications before the exam for specific reasons.)
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothing and do not wear perfume, lotions, oils or powders on your chest. Female patients should wear slacks or shorts, rather than a dress.
• Contraindications: If you have a history of asthma, emphysema or chronic lung disease, please inform Dr. Moore.
• Consent: Prior to the test, you'll be asked to sign a consent form. Please don't hesitate to ask questions prior to signing the consent form.