Nuclear ADENOSINE Stress Test Information

I.                   Preparation upon arrival in the Nuclear Medicine Department

1.   The test will be completely explained to you before the technologist begins.  The technologist will then ask you a few pertinent questions and look over your medication list.   If you have any questions about the exam, please feel free to ask the technologist at any time.

2.       All patients will receive an IV prior to the test.  The technologist will give medications for the test through the IV.

II.          Rest Imaging

      1.   You will receive an injection of a small amount of a radioisotope through your IV. 

            2.   This radioisotope will need to circulate for approximately 45 min – 1 hr. 

                  3.   The first set of images will then be acquired.  These images will take approximately 20-30 minutes.

III.       Adenosine Stress – This medication is used for patients that are unable to walk on the treadmill or have other limiting factors as determined by their physician.  This test will be stopped if you have unusual symptoms or EKG changes.  Symptoms and side effects that can occur with Adenosine are: nausea, headache, shortness of breath, flushing, leg heaviness, and chest discomfort.

1.       You will be placed on EKG monitoring equipment to allow the stress personnel to monitor you during the test

2.       You will be given Adenosine through your IV for six (6) minutes.

3.       If you are able, you will be asked to walk very slowly on the treadmill during the Adenosine infusion.  This will help alleviate or lessen the side effects.

4.       You will receive a second injection of the radioisotope during the Adenosine infusion.

IV.               Stress Imaging

1.       If you walk the treadmill, a second set of 20-30 minute images will be acquired after a short waiting period.

2.       If you are unable to walk the treadmill, you will be asked to wait approximately one hour to allow the isotope to circulate before your second set of images.  The second set of 20-30 minute images will be acquired after  the waiting period.

v     During and after your stress, immediately report any symptoms (chest discomfort, heart flutters, dizziness, weakness, etc.) you may have to the cardiovascular technician or nuclear medicine technologist.