Stress Test
A Stress test is a way of identifying the presence or absence of
coronary artery blockages. A stress test is needed if you have
any symptoms suggesting heart disease, such as chest pain that is
worse with activity or shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
with activity. A stress test is indicated if a resting EKG is
abnormal. Another reason to have a stress test is if you have
a family history of heart disease and you have high risk factors for
developing heart disease.
At ARFP we routinely perform a specialized exam called a
Cardiolite
Stress Test or a stress test with Myocardial Perfusion
Imaging (MPI). This examination combines the information from
the stress test with radioactive images of the function and blood
flow in the heart.
For people who can not walk on a treadmill because of joint, bone
or other problems, we can do a pharmacologic stress with Adenosine.
Instructions on preparation for the test
- Nothing to eat or drink for 4 hours before the test
- No caffeine or decaffeinated beverages for 24 hours before the test,
so this means really just water or milk or juice.
- Try to not wear any clothes with metal buttons or snaps above the
waistline, but do wear cloths and shoes you can walk in
- Please do not apply any creams, lotions or powder to the chest on
the day of the test
- If you are taking a Beta Blocker heart or blood pressure medication,
you will need the Adenosine stress
- Do not smoke the day of the test
- If you have asthma or diabetes please review the medications with
the doctor before the test is scheduled. There may be special
instructions.
- The test procedure will take about 4 hours all together.
A physician will be present for the testing. Please schedule an
appointment to return to the doctor about a week after the test to discuss
the results.