Heartcentercardiology.com

ADENOSINE OR LEXISCAN STRESS TEST
WITH NUCLEAR IMAGING
Your physician has ordered either a Lexiscan or Adenosine Nuclear Stress Test. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the blood supply to the heart muscle. We hope the following information will help you to prepare for the test. WHAT WILL HAPPEN DURING THE TEST?
On the day of your test, an IV will be started in your arm. You will receive a dose of a radioisotope through your IV and, after waiting for about 30-45 minutes, you will have a Nuclear Medicine scan. After your scan, you will be taken to the stress lab, electrodes will be placed on your chest to record an electrocardiogram (ECG), and a blood pressure cuff will be placed on your arm to monitor your blood pressure. You will be given a medication that dilates the arteries in your heart, increasing the blood flow. If you are able to, you will walk slowly on the treadmill. The medication is infused through your IV for four minutes. During this infusion, you will receive another injection of radioisotope. Your ECG and blood pressure will be monitored throughout the test. You will have a second Nuclear Medicine scan a short time after your stress test is completed. The test takes approximately 2 ½ to 3 hrs to complete. Your physician’s office will call you within a few days with your test results. HOW SHOULD YOU PREPARE?

1. It is absolutely necessary to avoid all caffeinated items for the entire day prior to
the test. These include coffee and tea (including decaf), caffeinated sodas,

chocolate, cocoa, and certain pain medications that contain caffeine, such as
Excedrin, Anacin, Midol, Fiorinal, etc. Please read the label. If you have any
additional questions about caffeine, please call.
2. No solid food for four hours before the test.

3. Please come well-hydrated. You may have water, apple juice, cranberry juice,
or other clear, non-caffeinated liquids up to the time of your exam.
4. The following medications may be stopped before your stress test:
●Beta-blockers (Inderal, Toprol, Lopressor or metoprolol, Tenormin or atenolol,
Coreg or carvedilol, Visken or Corgard, Zebeta, Ziac, or bisoprolol, etc.)
These medications are generally stopped for 24-48 hours before your test.
●Calcium-channel blockers (Cardizem or diltiazem, Calan or verapamil, etc.).
These medications are generally stopped for 24-48 hours before your test.
●Nitroglycerine patches should be removed four hours before the test.
●Persantine, Dipyridamole, Aggrenox, and any Theophylline medications should
be stopped for 48 hours prior to the test.
Please contact your doctor before stopping any of these
medications and follow his or her instructions.

5. Diabetic Patients. If you take insulin to control your blood sugar, discuss this
with your doctor to determine how much insulin you should take the day of the test.

6. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes.
7. Please bring a light snack with you. Once the stress portion of the test is
completed, you may eat.
8. If you are unable to keep your appointment, it is important that you give us 24
hours notice.
9. If you have any other questions, please feel free to call us at 541-388-4333.

Source: http://www.heartcentercardiology.com/pdf/ALstresstest.pdf