Nuclear Stress Test - Stormont-Vail HealthCare

Nuclear Stress Test929 S.W. Mulvane | TopekaYour appointment is:Date:_________________________ Time:__________________We are located inside the Cotton-O’Neil Heart Center on the second floor, which is the Stormont-VailCardiac Imaging & Rehabilitation Center.• Bring a current medication list.Why a nuclear stress test?Your physician has recommended you have a nuclear stress test because of your symptoms and/or pastheart health history. The nuclear stress test gives your physician more information than a simpletreadmill test. The information obtained will help determine if additional follow-up is needed.What is a nuclear stress test?A nuclear stress test is a procedure that checks the blood flow to the heart and also how well your heartis beating. You will receive a small, safe amount of radioactive medication that circulates to the heartmuscle. A special camera is used to measure how well this medication spreads throughout the heart.What to expect during your nuclear stress test:• The nuclear stress test is done in one day and can take two to three hours.• Depending on the test ordered it can take one or two days to complete.• A small tube (IV) will be placed in the vein of your arm.• Your heart rate will be monitored and your blood pressure will be checked frequentlythroughout the test.• You may be asked to exercise on a treadmill or in some cases a medication will be givento stress your heart.• Two sets of pictures will be taken of your heart. One with your heart at rest and the otherafter your heart has been stressed.• You will be asked to lie very still on a table for 20 minutes, while a camera rotates around you.• Your arms will be placed above your head on a pillow and a cushion will be placed underyour knees for your comfort.00071001S Side 1 of 2 3/10

We will be unable to perform your test if:• there is a chance you are pregnant or• you are breastfeeding.Preparation for test:• Do not consume any caffeine starting at 8 a.m. the day before and the day of your test.• You may have caffeine once your test is completed.• You may only drink:A. WaterB. White milkC. Juice• Eat a light meal two hours before your test.• Avoid caffeine in any form. This includes no coffee, tea, pop, or chocolate.• Do not take any medications containing caffeine, such as Excedrin or Anacin. Also decaffeinated products.• Do not bring your children with you to the test.• If you have diabetes or asthma, you may need additional instructions:________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________• Take all your regular medications except:____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________• We ask that you dress comfortably with:A. walking shoes for treadmillB. loose clothing (for IV needle placement)C. shirts should not have metal buttons or zippersD. for women, no dresses; pants are preferredIf you need to cancel or reschedule your appointment call (785) 270-4201.You must call by noon the day before your appointment, otherwise you will be charged a $400 fee to cover thecost of wasted medical isotopes.929 S.W. Mulvane • Topeka(785) 270-4000 • (800) 468-0177www.stormontvail.org00071001S Side 2 of 2 3/10