Several electrodes (small sticky patches) will be placed on your chest to obtain an electrocardiogram (ECG or EKG), a recording of your heart's electrical activity. An intravenous (IV) line will be inserted into a vein in your arm, to allow injection of the tracer during exercise. What Happens During the Test?
The Cardiolite scan is usually performed at a hospital, clinic, or test center. Either the exercise portion or rest portion of the test may be done first. The doctor or technician will inform you whether the test can be completed in one or two days. Exercise Portion
You will either walk on a treadmill or pedal a stationary bicycle. The treadmill moves slowly at first, then the speed and incline increase gradually. If you pedal a stationary
bicycle, it feels easy to pedal at first, then it gradually gets harder. Be sure to report any sysptoms, such as chest pain or discomfort, dizziness, or severe shortness of breath. Try to exercise for as long as
you are able to, because it increases the accuracy of the test. When you reach the point where you feel you can't exercise for much longer, let the doctor know. The technician will then inject the tracer into
the intravenous line. You will be asked to continue exercising for another minute or so after the injection. Next, you will lie flat on a special table under a large scanning camera. During imaging,
the camera takes pictures of your heart at various angles. Remain still while the pictures are being taken. This part of the test may take up to 40 minutes. Rest Portion
The tracer will be injected one other time and another set of pictures will be taken while you are at rest. These images are compared to the images obtained during the exercise portion of the test. How Long Does It Take?
Allow 3 to 4 hours for the entire test, which includes preparation, the exercise portion, and imaging. Keep in mind that you may have to come back for more pictures later in the day or the next day. Dual-Isotope Imaging
In dual-isotope imaging, two tracers are used. A rest study with thallium is done first, and a stress study with Cardiolite follows soon after. The entire test can be completed in
2 to 3 hours (there is no need to come back). Is the Test Safe?
The radiation exposure during a Cardiolite scan is small, and the doses used are safe. However, if you are pregnant, suspect you may be,
or are a nursing mother, be sure to let your doctor know. The exercise test is also safe. A small amount of risk does exist, however, because it stresses the heart. Possible rare complications include abnormal heart rhythms and heart attack. Experienced personnel are available to handle any emergency. Your Test Results
Your doctor will discuss the rest results with you during a
future office visit. The test results help the doctor make an accurate diagnosis and develop a treatment plan that's best for you. <BACK
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