Your guide to:
Myocardial Perfusion
 how do I prepare for the test?
Do not eat or drink anything but water for two to three hours prior to the test.
If you are scheduled for blood work on the same day, eat or drink nothing after midnight. If you are a diabetic, you may bring a light snack and your medications to take once the blood work is complete.
If you are diabetic and not scheduled for blood work, take your diabetes medication or insulin with a light snack (ex: toast with jelly, crackers, biscuit without butter, fruit) approximately two or three hours prior to the study.
You may not have caffeine for 24 hours prior to the test. This includes caffeinated soft drinks, tea, coffee (including decaf), chocolate, Aggrenox, Excedrin, Anacin and some migraine medications.
Take no Theophylline based medications 48 hours prior to the test. Some of these medicines are:
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Pentoxifyllin
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Respid
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Slo-Bid
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Theophylline
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Theo-24
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Theo-Dur
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Theolair
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Trental
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Uniphyl
Take all other medications unless instructed to do so otherwise. Allowed medications should be taken with water only.
We understand that instructions about medications can be confusing. Please call the office in advance if you are not sure about what medicines you should take on the day of the test.
what should I wear?
Since you will be exercising during the procedure, you should dress comfortably. Loose two-piece clothing and walking shoes are important.
what takes place during the procedure?
The myocardial perfusion study consists of three parts. First, images will be taken of your heart while you are at rest. Secondly, you will be asked to exercise, and during part three more images of your heart will be taken. The entire test takes approximately two hours. It is important that you understand any instructions given. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need more information.
PART ONE: RESTING IMAGES
An IV will be started in your arm so that the radioactive material can be injected. You will not feel any different while receiving that radioactive material. The IV will remain in place throughout the study.
Images will be taken of your heart while you are at rest. It is important to lie very still. This portion of the study will take about 12 to 15 minutes to complete. The quality of the images will be checked, and then you will move on to part two.
PART TWO: EXERCISE IMAGES
EKG electrodes will be placed on your chest. Your heart and blood pressure will be monitored as you exercise on a treadmill. The level of difficulty will be increased about every three minutes.
It is important that you exercise for as long as possible to ensure best possible results. At the peak of your exercise, radioactive material will again be injected through the IV. After this injection you will continue exercising for one to two minutes. EKG and blood pressure reading will be taken for five minutes after exercise is complete.
What if I am unable to exercise?
It may be determined that a medication which mimics exercise is a better choice for you. If you notice any changes in the way you feel while you are receiving this medication, please notify the person who is closely monitoring your test.
You may be asked to do some low-level activity to help minimize the side effects from the medication. This exercise portion of the study takes about four minutes.
PART THREE: AFTER EXERCISING
This final stage will require more images of your heart. You will be connected to a heart monitor and we will take images of what your heart looks like under stress conditions. Again, it will be necessary for you to stay very still while these images are taken. This final stage will take approximately 10 to 12 more minutes. The images will be checked for quality, before you leave. They are then compiled, and sent to your physician.
what is a mycardial perfusion study?
A myocardial or "nuclear" perfusion study is a way of checking blood flow to the muscles or walls of your hearat. The study requires that a small amount of radioactive material be given to you through an IV. A special camera is then used to take images of this material as it travels through your heart muscle.
is the study safe?
Nuclear medicine procedures are very safe. Ten to 12 million of them are performed every year in the U.S. alone. Our well-trained professionals adhere to all required guidelines. The radiation that you are exposed to is about the same dose as you would receive during a CAT scan or routine x-ray. Your body eliminates the radioactive material very quickly.
what does the study detect?
This study can be used to detect the presence of coronary artery disease (CAD) and how it affects your heart. CAD is caused by a buildup of fatty materials in your arteries. This buildup blocks the blood flow that your heart needs to function properly.
when will I get results?
Once you have completed your study, before you leave the clinic, we will let you know when and how you can expect to receive your results.
PLEASE NOTE!
If you are not properly prepared, we may have to postpone your study.
Please read the contents of this brochure and follow all directions.
Be sure to have all of your questions answered so that everything will go smoothly.
If there is any chance that you could be pregnant, please inform the technologist performing the test immediately.
The radioactive material used in these tests has been ordered specifically for you. If you find it necessary to cancel your appointment, it is very important to notify CIS at least 24 hours prior to your scheduled time. Without this notification, you will be billed for the radioactive medication that was ordered on your behalf.
Please note that this Web site cannot replace regular discussions with your doctor or healthcare professional.
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