What is pharmacological stress testing?

A pharmacological nuclear stress test is a diagnostic test used to evaluate blood flow to the heart. During the test, a small amount of radioactive tracer is injected into a vein. A special camera, called a gamma camera, detects the radiation released by the tracer to produce computer images of the heart.

What is the difference between Lexiscan and dobutamine stress test?

Dobutamine is used to treat cardiogenic shock and heart failure. Lexiscan is given in preparation for a radiologic (X-ray) examination of blood flow through the heart to test for coronary artery disease. Dobutamine is a catecholamine and Lexiscan injection is a stress agent.

How long does a pharmacological stress test take?

Allow approximately 3 – 4 hours for your procedure as there are significant wait times required between each step of the test.

What is a pharmacological cardiolite stress test?

This is a type of nuclear scanning or myocardial perfusion imaging test. It shows how well blood flows to the heart muscle. It is done with an exercise or medicine stress test. A small amount of radioactive substance called cardiolite is injected into the vein.

Is pharmacological stress test safe?

[11-20-2013] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is warning health care professionals of the rare but serious risk of heart attack and death with use of the cardiac nuclear stress test agents Lexiscan (regadenoson) and Adenoscan (adenosine).

What is the Bruce protocol stress test?

The Bruce protocol is a standard test in cardiology and is comprised of multiple exercise stages of three minutes each. At each stage, the gradient and speed of the treadmill are elevated to increase work output, called METS.

What is the difference between adenosine and dobutamine?

There is controversy regarding the “optimal” pharmacological stress agent; according to guidelines, adenosine should be used mainly for myocardial perfusion measurements, whereas dobutamine is advised for the detection of stress-inducible wall motion abnormalities (IWMAs).

Can I drive after a pharmacological 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.

Is pharmacologic stress test safe?

What are the risks of a pharmacological stress test? A pharmacologic stress test may cause you to feel dizzy, lightheaded, or weak. You may have throbbing or extra heartbeats, chest pain, or a heart attack.

Is a pharmacologic stress test the same as a nuclear stress test?

What is a Nuclear LEXISCAN™ Stress Test? A Nuclear Sit Down Stress Test, aka Lexiscan/Pharmacological stress test (LEXI) is designed to evaluate the condition of your coronary arteries. These are the arteries that supply the heart itself with blood.