Can I drive home after a chemical stress test?

You will not be allowed to eat or drink until the medicine used to numb your throat wears off. This usually takes 30 to 60 minutes. You may not drive yourself home after your test.

How painful is a chemical stress test?

You should not feel pain during the test. You may feel a pinch when the IV is inserted. You may also feel a flushing sensation when the medication is injected.

How long does lexiscan stay in your system?

How long does the injection stay in my system? The nuclear imaging agent is out of your system within 60 hours, but it is always decaying so it becomes minimal in a relatively short period of time.

How long does a chemical heart stress test take?

The test takes about one hour, including prep time and actual test time. The cardiac stress test itself only lasts around 15 minutes. During your test, you may walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle.

How will I feel after a chemical stress test?

The chemical response is similar to the response caused by exercise. Through your IV, a chemical called Lexiscan will be injected. You may feel similar to what you would feel if you were exercising. You may feel a shortness of breath, headache, flushing, chest discomfort or chest pain, or dizziness.

What are the side effects of a chemical stress test?

Dizziness or chest pain. Some people also have nausea, shakiness, headache, flushing, shortness of breath and anxiety during the stress test. These signs and symptoms are usually mild and brief, but tell your doctor if they occur.

How do you feel after a chemical stress test?

Can Lexiscan cause a stroke?

Lexiscan can cause stroke, which may be a result of an increase or decrease in blood pressure.

Does Lexiscan have side effects?

Pharmacist tips for Lexiscan (regadenoson) You may feel effects similar to what you experiencing during exercise (e.g., shortness of breath, headache, chest discomfort, dizziness, or nausea).

Why do they numb your throat for a nuclear stress test?

You are also given medicine (local anesthetic) to numb your throat. This helps you feel more comfortable during the procedure. An exercise stress test measures how your heart deals with the stress of physical activity.

Is a chemical stress test scary?

Patients must fast for 12 hours before the test and avoid taking many medications. During the stress test, patients walk on a treadmill to increase their heart rate and get blood flowing; those who aren’t able to do so can use a chemical option. Either way, a stress test can seem scary. Patients are usually nervous.