|
 This
study is done at rest and or in conjunction with a stress test. The
stress test is either done with exercise, or pharmacologically induced.
The study is useful in patients with suspected coronary artery disease,
acute MI, searching for old MI, assessing jeopardized and ischemic
myocardium, and quantitative assessment of left Ventricular function.
The myocardial perfusion test is more sensitive and accurate in
diagnosing ischemic and salvageable heart muscle than compared to the
traditional exercise ECG.
When you were referred by your physician
for a radiological exam, you may have been told about certain
instructions to be done prior to the exam, or when you were scheduling
your appointment, the scheduler should have informed you about the
preparations that should be done prior to your exam. If you did not or
if you want a recheck, you can refer to the information listed below.
Keep in mind that you may have been given
some additional or different instructions, based on your own particular
circumstances. If you have any questions, please call our hotline 16171 or (202) 3336-3310 (Mohandeseen),
(202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or (202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a
radiologist . It is best to call between 10
a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday through Thursday.
Instructions
You should wear comfortable walking shoes or tennis shoes and loose
fitting exercise (sport) clothes. (do not wear underwire brassiere or
girdle)
No caffeine (coffee, tea, and chocolate contain caffeine) or tobacco
within 24 hours before test. No intake of solids or liquids after the
midnight preceding the date of examination.
Medications: May be continued or selectively withheld prior to the test.
Because this test is used to evaluate many different medical problems,
no general instructions are given. You should discuss your specific
medications with your physician at the time your physician requests the
study.
Back to top
A small intravenous
catheter is placed into an arm vein. You will be exercised at a walk or
possible run on a treadmill with increasing levels of exercise until
your cardiologist stops the exercise or you can not go further. Your
cooperation in exercising to your maximum ability will help you and your
doctor obtain the very best possible study.
Just prior to completion of the exercise study, a small amount of
radioactive material will he injected through the intravenous line The
radiation exposure is similar to that of a regular chest x-ray and the
chemical should have no side effects.
You will be monitored throughout the exercise test by a radiologist,
technologist, or a registered nurse and electrical heart tracing (ECG).
After the exercise study is completed, you will lie on a bed and a
camera will take pictures of your heart during the next 45 minutes.
You will then be given a time to return approximately 3-4 hours later
for additional pictures of your heart. These latter images are critical
to the study and you should anticipate them requiring approximately 1
hour.
The technician will notify you when your pictures are completed and when
your study is finished. There is a possibility that you may need a
second injection and a third set of images.
Back to top
After the test, you may
resume all normal activities. You should preferably be accompanied by
someone with you after you finish your exam.
The radiologist's report of the results will be ready within 24 hours.
Your doctor will discuss the results of the test with you.
Back to top
Please call our hotline
16171 or (202) 3336-3310 (Mohandeseen), (202) 2417 5556 (Heliopolis) or
(202) 2528 4888 (Maadi) to speak with a radiologist if you have any
questions. It is best to call between 10 a.m. and 10 p.m., Saturday
through Thursday.
|
