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ADENOSINE SPECT RADIONUCLIDE STRESS TEST
WHAT IS AN ADENOSINE SPECT RADIONUCLIDE STRESS TEST?
An Adenosine SPECT Radionuclide Stress Test is an
examination during which your heart, heart rhythm, blood
pressure and EKG are evaluated, along with actual imaging of
the heart. Adenosine (dipyridamole) is a medication that is
used as an alternative to exercise to screen for coronary
artery disease. Adenosine is given in amounts based on your
weight to increase coronary artery blood flow. Cardiolite
and/or Thallium, a mild radioactive substance, given in
small amounts, are what allow us to obtain the images of
your heart. There are no side effects to either of these
isotopes.
WHY IS A ADENOSINE SPECT RADIONUCLIDE STRESS TEST NECESSARY?
An Adenosine SPECT Radionuclide Stress Test is a more
accurate way of evaluating the condition of the heart muscle
and its blood supply in people who are unable to, or should
not, exercise.
WHO WILL ADMINISTER THE TEST?
A cardiologist, a nuclear medicine technologist and a
cardiac nurse or technologist will be present for the test.
WHAT IS THE USUAL PROCEDURE?
Take
all of your medications as you normally would and bring a
list of those medications to the test. Avoid caffeine and
decaffeinated products for 24 hours prior to the test. On
the day of the test eat a light meal, avoid dairy products,
and do not smoke for 2 hours prior to the test. When
you arrive at Consultants In Cardiology, Inc., please report
to the receptionist in order to complete the registration
forms. If you wear glasses, bring them, as you will be
asked to read and sign a consent form.
WHAT DOES THE EXAMINATION INCLUDE?
A brief cardiac history will be taken and an IV will be
started in your arm. A Radionuclide will be injected into
the IV and a 12-minute resting image of your heart muscle
will be taken 15 minutes following the injection. Following
the resting image, a simple skin preparation will be done
and electrodes applied to monitor your heart. The Adenosine
will then be administered over a 4-6 minute time span and a
Radionuclide will be injected into the IV after
approximately four more minutes. We will have you rest for
approximately 45 minutes and a stress image will be taken of
your heart muscle. This image will take about 15 minutes.
Please allow three hours for your total exam. Your
cooperation is vital to the successful completion of this
test. If you have any further questions, please feel free
to ask your nurse or physician.
IS THERE ANY SPECIAL PREPARATION?
For
successful completion of the test, it is necessary that
certain xanthine medications be restricted for 36-48 hours
prior to the test.
Prescription medications containing theophylline would
include:
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Theo-24
Theovent Long-Acting
Slo-Bid Gyrocaps
Theospan-SR
Theobid Jr. Duracap
Theophylline SR
Slo-Phyllin Gyrocaps
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Quibron T/SR
Theolair-SR
Theo-Dur
Theoclear L.A.
Bronkodyl
Sustaire
Uniphyl
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Theo-Dur Sprinkle
Elixophyllin SR
Constant-T
Theochron
Theobid Duracap
Aerolate
Respid
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If you take any of the above medications, please discuss the
withholding of medication with the physician who ordered the
stress test. It is also necessary to restrict caffeine for
24 hours prior to the exam. Please refer to the caffeine
restriction sheet.
If you
have a known allergy to aminophylline, history of asthma,
bronchospastic diease, especially with asthmatic component,
resting hypertension or unstable angina, please notify the physician
or nurse.
It is
necessary to restrict caffeine for 24 hours prior to a
procedure or test. Commonly used beverages and foods containing
caffeine would include:
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COFFEE
Brewed drip coffee
Brewed percolator coffee
Instant coffee
Decaffeinated brew coffee
Decaffeinated instant coffee |
TEA
Brewed
commercial tea
Brewed imported tea
Instant
tea
Iced
tea |
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FOOD
Cocoa
Chocolate milk
Milk chocolate
Dark semi-sweet chocolate
Baker’s chocolate
Chocolate syrup
Chocolate cake
Candy, chocolate
Chocolate ice cream
Chocolate pudding
Nut fudge brownie
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SOFT DRINKS
Coca-Cola
Cola, decaffeinated
Dr. Pepper
Dr. Pepper, sugar free
Jolt Cola
Mellow Yellow
Mountain Dew
Mr. Pibb
Pepsi Cola
Pepsi, diet
Tab
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COMMONLY PRESCRIBED DRUGS CONTAINING CAFFEINE
Cafergot
Fiorinal
Wigraine (all forms)
Darvon
Synalgos-DC
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A
FEW OVER-THE-COUNTER DRUGS CONTAINING CAFFEINE
Anacin
Excedrin
NoDoz
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